Historical Specifics:

Following the Crimean War (1853-1856) a large number of trophies, including 730 iron guns and 324 iron carronades, were supplied to Britain and distributed to cities and towns in the United Kingdom, and Colonies. NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania each received two Russian guns in recognition of the funds donated to the Patriotic Fund designated to assist the war effort.

The trophy guns in NSW were initially positioned flanking Governor Bourke's statue on the Domain, near the old Bent Street entrance. They were relocated to Centennial Park and mounted on a rise, the trophies now flank the "We Won" statue. Both were cast under the direction of Butenev at the Alexandrovski foundry. They carry the double eagle of the Russian Tsar and are stamped with the initials `MA'; the translation of which is Morskaya Artilleria, meaning naval artillery.