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So it sounds like you've already removed any varnish or lacquer. The following came from a steampunk website:
Using heat with vinegar gives a rapid result.
To get a "natural" aged brown brass finish with vinegar and heat:
1, Pour some vinegar into a plastic container and add a tablespoon...
Jon, if you're going to Sunny's sometime soon, please swing by here and take two lights over to him.....and pick up some stuff from Sunny for me too. Thanks.