[Boatanchors] early amp question

[yash at aol.com]

 Just picked up a SBE S-32la sweep tube amp. Need a little work,but is in basic fine shape. My question is all the small cermaic caps at the tube bases's and all the 1 watt resistors in the power supply board look like they were coated with some semi clear substance,which dust and dirt stick to. all the parts appear to be ok,no burning cracks or discoloration. Was this common on the late 50-early 60's gear?
thanks
dale wt4t