Major General Claude Martin, Copper Medal, 10.05g, Obv: Bust of Major General Claude Martin to left, around top border “LABORE ET CONSTANTIA” Below bust C.L.M., Rev: Persian legend “Honoured in the state, exalted in the kingdom distinguished noble general Claude Martin, the brave, courageous in battle” (Pudd# 796.1.1, Prid# 399). Brilliant uncirculated, extremely rare in this grade.
Lord Cornwallis had specially requested the services of Lord Martin for the war between the East India Company and Tipu Sultan. As a reward for his services to the Company, he was awarded the rank of Major General and this medal is believed to be struck by Asaf ud-Daula the Nawab of Awadh for the Nawab’s services in Lucknow. The titles of honour in Urdu on these medals were given to Claude Martin by the Nawab after Claude Martin’s promotion by the East India Company.