Souvenir of the Month

Marion Spurlock of Reston bought this antique rodent trap in a Parisian flea market in 2005, during a trip to see the French Open. She discovered it nestled among a box of French porcelains. "At first, I thought it was a mousetrap, but it is large -- over a foot long! Therefore, I believe it is for catching French rats." She said the owner laughed when she asked to purchase it and charged her the equivalent of a dollar.

The inscription "Lucifer" charmingly describes the rodent as more than just a nuisance: It is the devil. Spurlock hangs the trap in her kitchen, where it seems to lure more welcome comments than uninvited vermin.

Think you can top the giant French rat trap? Read the fine print at right.

The Travel section wants to see your coolest, weirdest, funniest finds from trips in the United States or overseas. We'll feature the best of what we get in this new monthly feature; winners will receive a Travel section tote bag. Please send a photograph (e-mailing a high-resolution JPEG is best, though we'll also accept prints) and a brief description of the item -- including where you bought it, how it reminds you of the destination and why it makes you laugh --- to travel@washpost.com(put "Souvenir of the Month" in the subject field); or mail to Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071, Attn: Souvenir of the Month. Please include your name and contact information. Photos cannot be returned.