MADISON, Wis. -- A state auction is offering the chance to purchase its unclaimed property on eBay.

Thirty-seven items went on the auction block at noon on Monday. The auction lasts 10 days, WISC-TV reported.

Under Wisconsin law, after five years of inactivity, financial institutions must hand over the contents of unclaimed safety deposit boxes.

The state then has three years to find the owner; after that, the item goes up for auction.

If, after that time, an item is proven to have belonged to someone, the state will pay the owner exactly what the item sold for.

Related Info:

Wisconsin Treasurer Unclaimed Items Auction on eBay