Produced in 1810 in Douai by Bérenger, this bronze 9-inch howitzer is an exceptional piece for its time. A long-distance weapon, it could fire its charge at a range of up to 19,000 feet (5,800 m).
The tube of the howitzer measures slightly over 8 feet in length. The tube and its carriage weigh more than 6 tons. Inscriptions in the Cyrillic alphabet on the reinforce confirm that this howitzer was seized during the war. Initially seized by the Prussians in 1814 and taken to Berlin, this cannon-howitzer was then taken by the Russians in 1945 before being returned to France in 1946.
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.