The use of pressure in casting is essential for proper casting and as has been mentioned, very ancient. However, the amount of pressure equalling what we can do today is in serious doubt. Not only is the capability of technology at the time an issue, but in come cases one would not want to have steel solid bronze. Not only would it be ridiculously heavy, but the ability to expand when firing off a cannon shot could be compromised. Also, in brass and bronze mounts, one would want the softness to be such that one could easily chase or stamp designs into it.
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