Evaporust is acid
no it's been brush, I done it to many times.. nothing bad about that that is why all the hi points shinny
I'd strip to bare metal do a very very thick Black.. Hi light all the embossing on the base. then look for the magnetic stencils. until you find enough that you like to do a design in gold, use paint pens ( magic markers ultra fine tip ) to fill in the colors.. then clear coat.
O and put your name on it
yes it's a 1880's. maybe late 70's