Publications
Modelling business performance of a mid 18th-century cannon manufacturer, by Alan F. Davies, published 2012 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 31, article, pp.35-56, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506579] Download PDF
Abstract:Even though historical iron cannon-making technology is widely described, very little information is published about overall business performance of cannon manufacturers. Instances of surviving trade and financial records provide insights into iron production and consumption. Unfortunately they give neither a sufficiently broad picture nor information uniquely about gun manufacturing. Furthermore mid 18th-century business financial recording methods were aligned more towards estate accounting practices focusing on recording and managing payments and receipts, reporting trading margins and cash accumulation in excess of any initial investment.
Estimating 18th-century cannon boring times, costs and throughputs, by Alan F. Davies, published 2013 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 33, article, pp.38-47, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507841] Download PDF
Abstract:A previous article (Davies 2012) describes how a computer model, using information from The Fuller Letters 1728-1755, explored business performance of a mid 18th-century Wealden gun manufacturer. A linked subsidiary model provided estimated cannon boring times and costs as part of direct manufacturing costs in the main model. This showed boring process represented around 1% of direct campaign costs compared with, for example, cast metal costs of about 80%. Good technical control of boring and effective throughput helped ensure timely deliveries for proofing and debenture incomes.
This article describes development and use of this subsidiary model. It explores interactions between key variables to estimate operating limits for cannon boring times, direct labour costs and mill throughput performance. Model results are validated against several of the Fullers' Letters commenting on cannon delivery times.
This article describes development and use of this subsidiary model. It explores interactions between key variables to estimate operating limits for cannon boring times, direct labour costs and mill throughput performance. Model results are validated against several of the Fullers' Letters commenting on cannon delivery times.
Issues, emotions and achievements - managers and agents of a mid 18th-century cannon manufacturer, by Alan F. Davies, published 2013 in Wealden Iron Research Group (Second Series No. 33, article, p.48, ISSN: 0266-4402) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507841] Download PDF
Abstract:A previous article1 describes modelling of information in The Fuller Letters 1728 - 1755 to show how differing combinations of factors about gun demand, manufacturing and management decisions affected the performance of the Fullers' cannon business.
This study extends analysis of the Letters data, using a different modelling approach, to seek some initial insights of what it was like practically and emotionally for father and son Fuller to run their businesses under varying economic, operational and financial conditions.
Comparisons are made of how each Fuller reacted to conditions as well as the role effectiveness of their agent in influencing performance.
This study extends analysis of the Letters data, using a different modelling approach, to seek some initial insights of what it was like practically and emotionally for father and son Fuller to run their businesses under varying economic, operational and financial conditions.
Comparisons are made of how each Fuller reacted to conditions as well as the role effectiveness of their agent in influencing performance.