David, there is an interesting story on the LC Smith Whitworth barrels. Whitworth was LC's biggest supplier and LC was Whitworth's biggest client. Whitworth decided to raise their prices and put pressure on LC beforehand. They slowed deliveries until there was a fair backlog. They chose this moment to inform LC of a price increase. LC waisted no time finding a knight in shining armour. Krupp supplied them with the immediate needs for less money and reputedly, with a better product. Out of the goodness of their colonial hearts, LC informed Whitworth of this and that they would continue to buy Whitworth barrels only at a price REDUCTION, not an increase. Whitworth was unhappy but relented. Krupp was bummed but became an optional source. The Yanks were quite pleased with themselves.
