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Removal of "plated" finish on brass

Hi...I have some brass...it's the metal part of a "rolling ruler" probably used as a navigation aid...I'd like to try and restore it. There seems to be a bright "gilt" finish....maybe it's been "thinly" plated to keep it shiny...I'm pretty sure that this is not just a lacquer. It's been badly scratched so I'd like to remove it all and just polish the "raw" brass...anyone suggest a way please (I could use a wire brush or something similar but I don't want to damage the underlying material)...many thanks...

Roger Burton
hobbyist - SOUTHAMPTON, HANTS, United Kingdom
2004

If the item is of any value to you, take it to some kind of metal restorer--whether it be a plating shop, and antique store, or an historian. Restoring a finish, when you don't know what it is, is next to impossible.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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