Graphite for Lubrication?

Like today, when 2 cameras arrived, I check first how they work. Later when the cameras are at room temperature I take the lenses away and let the cameras breath and try them again. And then it's always the same. When I shoot without lens I recognize a special smell. It's really always the same. A smell like graphite. Did they use graphite for lubrication back in the days? I'm sure Luiz knows [:)]

Sure "Graphite Collodium" as they said at those times were in use in Germany since the 1920 years or pehaps earlier.
This was a standard procedure in 1956 when I first staged Zeiss in Brazil, although difficult to obtain.

Thank you Luiz,
always interesting to hear something about the past.