Old methods of gun cleaning

[Tlukes]

Do any members of this board have any documentation on how the shooters in Rev war and before cleaned and maintained their flintlocks? And what did they use for patches and lube?


Thank You

 

[Stumpkiller]

Instead of patches they would have used a wad of tow spun around a spiral wire or worm. I don't have any documentation at hand, but I'll try to dig some up for you.

Lube would most likely have been saliva, but beeswax and animal oils were used. Bear grease or lard probably the most common.