Yep. That and beeswax as a protective barrier on the exterior. Whale oil was everywhere back then. All the countries in the civilized world had huge fleets of whaling ships out scouring the oceans for whales, and they weren't eating them, they were rendering them into fats/oils. There were no petroleum-based products at all, distilling of such was unknown. Remember, lighting at night in the 18th century was strictly by either candle or (whale) oil-fueled lamps.
In the British army, brick dust on a wetted or oiled rag was used to keep the bright (unblued or browned) exterior surfaces scoured. Woe befall the soldier who allowed his musket to get rusty or go uncleaned after firing. It meant a whipping.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 06/20/20.
