King Felipe V (19 December 1683 – 9 July 1746) was King of Spain from 1
November 1700 to 14 January 1724, and again from 6 September 1724 to his
death in 1746. His total reign of 44 years is the longest in the
history of the Spanish monarchy. Foundries for casting bronze cannon
were formed at Seville since 1662 and Barcelona where five calibres of
cannon (4, 8,12- 16 and 24-pdr) and two mortars (12-pouce and 14-pouce)
were casted in bronze or iron. Although Iron was generally used being
cheaper, Bronze was stronger and lasted longer at sea. Bronze also was
easier to cast, could be re-cast, and could be easily embellished with
decoration. Because of this last quality, along with their hefty price
tag, bronze guns also served as status symbols.
