Yes I have heard of this. Sounds like alot of dripping kerosene on those clocks you have, sometimes people will try to clean a movement by dipping it in kerosene, I wouldnt recommend that.. As for the small jar in the case???? ….I am sure it would stink AND coat everything allowing dust grit to stick to it all. It appears that was what some people did back in the day, I have also heard of using a chicken feather coated in kerosene to stick through the movement and do something??? not sure what though.