HMS Resolute was abandoned in the Arctic (as it joined the hunt for Franklin’s lost expedition). Discovered by an American whaling ship in 1855, it was refitted and returned to the UK. In recognition, when the ship was decommissioned, the timbers of the ship were made into the Resolute Desk, sent back to President Rutherford Hayes. It’s been in the White House ever since, and much of the time has served as the desk in the Oval Office. The estate people also had some of the documentation; looks like this replica would have run you about $10,000.
Photo by Grasons.