HARTFORD >> Federal investigators in Connecticut have recovered three artifacts from Saddam Hussein’s private airport and palace that were smuggled into the United States from Iraq.

The door knocker, water urn and soap dish are among dozens of items being returned to the country at a ceremony Monday at the Iraqi consulate in Washington.

Bruce Foucart, the agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England, said the items were brought to the country by a U.S. government contractor who handed them over when confronted. He says investigators received a tip that the artifacts were on the market. His agents became involved because Connecticut was a possible destination for the items.

The artifacts are being repatriated with others recovered by investigators in New York, Maryland and Texas.