The cannon was a result of the Royal Ordonnance of October 7, 1732, enacted to reorganize and standardize the King's artillery.

As with other de Vallière guns, the 12-pdr was also highly decorated and contained numerous designs and inscriptions.

Then, a Latin phrase "Ultima Ratio Regum", initially introduced by Louis XIV, and a rather thorough description of the role of the gun: "The Last Argument of Kings".

At the bottom of the gun, the location and date of manufacture are inscribed, and finally the name and title of the founder (in the example "Fondu par J. Martiz, Commissaire des Fontes").

[2] The breech is decorated with an animal face showing the rating of the gun ("Bird" or "Rooster" for a 12-pounder).