original preservation and lubing for Firearms

[norwegianwiking]

I've been pondering this question for a while, and figured i'd run it by this forum.

"Back in the day", say the last quarter of the 1800's, when Colt shipped their revolvers, winchester their rifles etc. brand new from the factory, how were they preserved and packed. I assume they would be heavily greased with something, but do anyone know exactly what with? And how would, say, a number of guns be shipped off to a store somewhere be packed?

And also, what would be common oils for lubrication and protection?

I'd also be interested if anyone knew of any sources for good info on actual prices and wages in the "old west", and not just guns but anything.

Information

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[jamie5070]

I'm just guessing, but I would think whale oil or some kind of high grade veggie oil (olive).
john

[Patrick Chadwick]

Petroleum jelly (vaseline) was produced from the early 1870s, and would have been a likely substance for transport and storage protection.
For lubrication and protection: spermaceti, Rangoon, neatsfoot, linseed oils.

(all mentioned in "The Gun and its Development" by W:W: Greener 1882)