Made Popular: Jul 14, 2008 - As far as famous ears go, Van Gogh, Prince Charles and Ross Perot rank near the top of the list. But Robert Jenkins' ear pitted powerful European monarchies against each other in war.

About 300 years ago -- and in real life -- an unattached ear made a splash in the British House of Commons. There was no question as to the ear's rightful owner; it was presented to Parliament by a man who…