I doubt this piece is lacquered because it's obviously from the house, so probably dates from the early 1800's; and it hasn't been "around" so much as buried in soil and exposed to the elements for a period measurable in decades, if not longer. (We also found some neat old glass bottles out behind that stone wall, and cooking-pot implements & hooks which I have put back in the old fireplace where they came from. The occupants seem to have used that area out back as something of a dumping-ground.)

The knob just looked black and mouldy, like one of those globular fungus-y tree growths, and only its weight saved it from being tossed out with other rubbish. I'm not worried about the antiques market because it's for me, not to sell, and I want something I don't hate looking at if it's going to sit on my desk. The alternative would be for it just to get re-buried, this time in a drawer, for another gazillion years - till someone finally cleaned it. Its existing state is not really a natural finish, and I can't imagine anyone wanting to use it in that condition.

After repeated Brasso-ings the grunge gradually is coming off and the black turning to grey, so I don't think any outer layer is wearing off. I just wanted to see if there is a faster way (at our ages we have to be careful of repetitive strain injuries which in my case will impact on my harp playing, and Michael already suffers from recurring Tennis Elbow). There are a whole rake of great suggestions in this thread, for which thanks everybody. It gives me a lot of good alternatives to try, which is what I wanted and hoped to find.

The piece is shaped rather like a chess pawn, and will stand up like one, measuring about an inch in diameter.

Thanks again!


PS: Ahhh, Joe, you're sweet enough without toothpaste...