At a re-enactment over the weekend someone asked me "What kind of grease did they use for axle grease?" My honest answer was, "I never thought about it! I'll have to look that up." (one of the things I love is that I get asked at least one question I can't answer, so it broadens my knowledge base).

In looking at various sites I'm finding that 'grease' is some sort of oil or fat emulsified with a soap. But what was the source of the oil or fat? Lard? Tallow? Vegetable oil? Some mix of them? Was beeswax involved? Amazing how complex simple things can be.