Development of the modèle 1890 began in 1886 at the Atelier-de-précision in Paris, following a request by the French Army for a mobile howitzer capable of high angle fire.

When the gun fired the cradle recoiled backwards, while the lower part stayed anchored.

This style of carriage and recoil system did not find wider acceptance due to its insufficient performance.

Fortresses, armories, coastal fortifications, and museums were scoured for heavy artillery and sent to the front.

After that conflict they were retired from use due to the small number available and shortage of ammunition for them, being replaced by the more numerous and technically superior 122 mm howitzer M1910.