In the book THE WASHING OF THE SPEARS about South Africa it was noted that under British rule, blacks would often work an entire year and the pay they wanted was one trade musket.
The British son became so alarmed they called in all the trade muskets for some reason, then refused to give them back. Finally forced to give the muskets back, all of the returned muskets were damaged beyond repair.
I have that and read it decades ago. I may have to re-read just to look for that.