British gun trade to Africa in 18th century- millions and millions of cheap muskets, often using parts rejected by Ordnance, critical part of slave trade
Inikori, J. E. x
1977 The import of firearms into West Africa 1750-1807: A quantitative analysis. Journal of African History 18(3):339-368.
Late 1700s guns + powder considered a “necessary” part of an Africa trade ship’s cargo, though usually ‘of an inferior kind.’ Special licenses exempted W Africa trade from usual bans on gun export. Some Birmingham gunmakers also owned slave trade enterprises. Very high demand, competition for workers to produce guns.
Gunpowder export table from custom records shows from 1750-1807 yearly hundreds of thousands of pounds, often exceeding 1 million lbs. Gun prices and other info show guns imported into W Africa from1796-1805 numbered 58-175,000 per yr. Slaves were the most important item exchanged for Euro goods; guns most important item used to buy slaves, always included in exchanges. Ivory second to slaves. Guns enhanced raiding for slaves, slaving provoked warfare and defence. Guns not demanded by food sellers, thus gun importance in agriculture argument fails.
Many types of guns [with cryptic names] mostly cheap, local variation in preferences. Many contemporary comments on the poor quality. But some dispute from makers; some guns used proofed military barrels and other parts, others had no proofing – suggests variable qualities to choose from.