Bronze 2.25 inch model howitzer, 1786

Claude Martin (1735-1800) arrived in India as a private soldier in the French army, but later joined the forces of the East India Company. He rose to the rank of Major-General, but in 1776 he was allowed to become Superintendent of the Arsenal for the Nawab of Awadh at Lucknow, in northern India. He produce many fine arms for the Nawab, including several small howitzers like this one, perhaps as working toys for the royal household. Martin made a large private fortune in India, some of which was later used to found La Martiniere College at Lucknow.