Hey Chris, shorthaul's mention of copper reminds me, early metalwork was often copperplated, then Nickel plated, (electroplated) done so because the nickel plating bonded better with copper. If your rod has a copper look on the inside of the tupe, it may be nickel plated. if so, go very easy with the abrasives, or you'll rub it right off, exposing the copperplate beneath. I'd just go for a polish job with the leather and compound method. I would even go to white automotive polishing compound, as it is much finer an abrasive than even the red stuff........................ModocDan