285-year-old lemon found in dead relatives belongings sells for eye-watering four-figure sum

A 285-YEAR-OLD lemon has proved to be a treasure zest as it sold for £1,400 at auction.

It had only gone under the hammer “for a bit of fun” but sparked a frenzied bidding war.

The 2in dried, brown citrus fruit was found in a cabinet during a house clearance.

The sellers were sorting through their uncle’s possessions and thought a 19th century chest may be valuable so took it to an auctioneer.

The specialist found the lemon in the back of the drawer while photographing the cabinet for the sale.

An inscription carved on the peel reads: “Given by Mr P Lu Franchini Nov 4 1739 to Miss E Baxter.”

It is believed it was brought to England from colonial India as a romantic gift.

Auctioneer David Brettell said: “We thought we’d have a bit of fun and put it in the auction with an estimate of £40-£60.”

But it went for £1,100 in Newport, Shrops, with fees making the total £1,416.

The cabinet only sold for £32.

Mr Brettell reckoned the lemon fetched so much because “you’ll never see an object like this at auction again”.