What precisely is anti-seize compound?

You can get some at the counter in any auto parts store. I would get the small package used for a single spark plug.

It is a grease type substance usually impregnated with graphite.

Also sold in stick form (think deoderant) at most places I get mine at fasten-all.

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/lubricants/specialty_lubricants/Permatex_Anti-Seize_Lubricant_a.htm

http://www.ellsworth.com/display/productdetail.html?productid=999&Tab=Ve

You can also get were muzzleloader and muzzleloader supplies are sold like Bass Pro Shops. When I used a muzzleloader I would put it on the breech plug after each cleaning. T/C brand was called Gorilla Grease.

Anti-Seize
The use of an anti-seize product is an excellent method of preventing galvanic corrosion, especially in hot, acidic, or caustic environments. Anti-seize resists galvanic attack by sacrificing the metals in the anti-seize in preference to the metal parts under protection. Most anti-sieze compounds use copper or nickel as a sacrificial metal but in the Nuclear industries you can find some pretty exotic stuff. A $10 can will last most home mechanics a lifetime.

An overdue thanks to everyone who responded, I expect that I was just too over analyzing
the problem since it never occurred to me to check at a nearby hardware store, color me
duly embarrassed.

i do know it has copper in it, and yes its wash and wear, wash your hans but it has to wear off!

Anti-sieze. it can be obtained at any auto parts store. Being a mechanic myself,let me tell you a little bit goes a long way.after you get it on you use charcoal lighter to clean it off of yourself.good luck and GETERDUN..