My 70's era Suntour freewheel is noticably quieter than those on other bikes. The ticking is audible, but very soft.

I lubricate the bearings and the pawl area often with chain bar erl. The bearings aren't under the stress that the axle and bb bearings receive, so IMO oil is sufficient, and besides the chain bar oil on the chain is going to work it's way in there as well.

For a NOS assembly from the 80's, I would want to open it up and make sure it has adequate lube, that the grease isn't dried up.