[russell_w_b]

Meant to say... There's no need to oil the dial contacts. Oil is an insulator and whilst it's good practice to apply the thinnest smear of Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) to electrical power contacts, it's not a good idea on telephone equipment contacts, as sticky lubricant will attract dust and gunge over time, even in the cleanest environment, and will build up a high-resistance barrier.