If you've got an empire, it'll probably strike back—one way or another. During her time on the throne, Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the most traveled monarch of all time, has accepted everything from a box of snail shells to a live anteater from her far-flung subjects (and a giant, grasshopper-shaped wine cooler from the always generous French). As part of the celebration of the sovereign's semicentennial, curators rooted through the royal attic and recently put their nearly 200 most curious finds on display at Buckingham Palace.
UZBEKISTAN
Your mug on this vase: In 1993 the president of this west-central Asian republic presented his-and-hers, 2-ft.-high vases to the royal couple.
USA
Cheers, pardner: Prince Philip accepted these ostrich-skin-and-leather boots during a '91 visit.
What a lovely...duck. The gift of dead fowl presented by the Channel Islands in '01 is an 800-year-old tradition.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
What a croc! In '74 the Queen received this toothy carved crocodile.
QATAR
A17-figure scene depicting a Bedouin oasis and crafted from gold was a gift from the Emir of Qatar in 1998.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Recognize that face? It's a painting depicting the Queen in a ceremonial headdress, given to Her Majesty in 1996.
FRANCE
The Bug Chill: Open the wings of this 6-ft.-long brass-and-porcelain grasshopper, a 72 gift, and—voilà!—a hidden wine cooler!
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