New brass look old

I was recently given a new brass bed. I would like to make it look old because we have a north woods cabin and I would like to use it with my Grandmother's old quilt. I have heard that it could be stripped, however, I am basically lazy and would like to know if there is an easier way. Please advise.

An easier way might be to organize a brass bed exchange :-)
We have many letters on here from people like you who have bright shiny brass and wish it was tarnished and patinated -- and numerous ones from people with tarnished & patinated old beds who want them bright and shiny :-) Unfortunately, converting either way is quite a pain, not a simple flip of a light switch. But a patient search of the site will reveal all :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey