From the Cockpit over Kent Thames Estuary

[swiss]

Originally Posted by major_setback

Linseed oil (made from flax seeds) was used to make wood paint, and was used for oiling/preserving wood.

It seems there was a demand for it in 1940:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi...400219.2.121.7



It was used for oiling rifles too:
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthre...e-raw-facts%29

and for (window) putty. If your near an old window - you can still smell it.


(Nowadays it's a wonderful threadlock for bicycle spokes)