I did not see a reply about the gold color on brass in a music box.
My experts tell me they use Nikolas lacquer in a gold tint.  You can
find it on the 'Net in several places.  I tried it and it works very
well replicating the old look.  It makes polished brass look like
24-karat gold.

Don Teach

[ Made by G. J. Nikolas & Co., Bellwood, Illinois  -- Robbie