Cannon with the emblems of François I

This bronze cannon, dating back to the reign of François I (1515–1547), is one of the few Renaissance firearms that have been preserved in public collections. With its unique reinforce and barrage, its morphology is typical of 16th century founded pieces. The smooth reinforce is decorated with a fire-breathing salamander, topped with a crown and placed underneath an amulet engraved with the Latin motto Nutrisco et Extingo, as well as a G around the touch hole. The barrage is scattered with fleurs-de-lis. There is a short inscription on the metal strip of the breech. The breech has a button with petals on its base.