285-year-old lemon found in belongings of deceased relatives is being sold for a staggering sum

A 285-year-old lemon turned out to be a real treasure as it sold at auction for £1,400.

It had only gone under the hammer 'for fun', but led to a crazy bidding war.

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The 2-inch dried, brown citrus fruit was found in a closet during a house clearance.

The sellers were sorting through their uncle's belongings and thought a 19th-century chest might be valuable, so they took it to an auctioneer.

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

An inscription on the peel reads: “Given by Mr P Lu Franchini on November 4, 1739 to Mrs E Baxter.”

It is believed to have been brought to England from colonial India as a romantic gift.

Auctioneer David Brettell said: “We thought we would have a bit of fun and put it up for auction with an estimate of £40-£60.”

But it went for £1,100 in Newport, Shrops, totaling £1,416.

The cabinet only sold for £32.

Mr Brettell thought the lemon fetched so much because “you will never see an item like this at auction again”.