Restoration Question

[Brian]

I recently acquired a 1973 vintage Coach Lantern. The two piece handle and filler cap (on the left) are both copper, The base and cap are both silver.

 

I know that the base and cap were originally brass and that they used a brass colored lacquer as opposed to plating the metal. Exposure to the sun fades (destroys?) the brass color.

 

My question: Has anyone had any experience with trying to reapply a metallic brass lacquer to restore the original brass tone finish?

 

Thanks in advance.

[fog rider]

In the past I've sanded some dinged up old bases using emery paper, and sanding in a circular pattern (in order to replicate the "machined" look of the old spun cast bases).
I then sprayed them with clear lacquer, let them dry, then buffed them with a 0000 steel wool pad.
I've always found that clear lacquer gives the base a slightly brassy color. If you apply a couple of coats (drying and sanding between coats) the color gets a little darker.