I agree Joe. It had to be an animal fat thing. And there was plenty of that to go around. I argued the issue of tarred harversacks with a supposed expert (campaigner) reenactor. He couldn't grasp the fact that tar was used back in those days. I tried to explain to him that tar was a readily available resource that bubbled up from the ground in certain areas and washed ashore on beaches. Not specifically a crude oil product. He just wanted to argue I guess. You are right about crude oil. It was 1859 in Oil Creek, Pennsylvania. Maybe named after the fact. And most lubricants today are far more advanced than just petroleum based. If you reenact I'm sure you have used or heard of "Ballistol". Originating in Germany, it's refined from coal (as are some forms of kerosene) and is water soluble. And dissolves blackpowder residue. It is the only lubricant that is allowed by the government in Germany for use in breweries as it is non toxic after the solvent that carries it evaporates. Not trying to be a salesman, but it works in cleaning, restoring, and lubricating wood, leather, rubber, and any metal. It also stops acidic reactions between leather (holsters) and iron. Great stuff. www.ballistol.com. And I am NOT a salesman Jim. ;-)

Keith