8 Oct
2012
8 Oct
'12
12:48 a.m.
Resend. My messages haven't been making it to the list.
From: "Chuck Guzis" <cclist at sydex.com> wrote:
On a related note, a friend of mine found in his
collection a full
sealed can of whale oil, from ADM, no less. We are not sure what to do
with it.
If it's really old, then it might be for illumination (burned). But
ISTR that whale oil was also used for lubricating instruments, such
as clocks and watches. So it might be worth quite a bit, assuming
the stuff doesn't go rancid with age.
--Chuck
Whale oil was used in a lot of precise mechanical devices that required a fine stable oil
that didn't gum up. Clocks and watches were one application, as were some early
mechanical calculators and toys.
I used to carry it with me for working on Selectrics and teletype paper tape gear. Would
love to find some more - have been looking for 20+ years for it. If your friend wants to
sell it, I would be interested.
Billy Pettit