It's the mixture of different metals that I find attractive, but on re-reading it transpires that some of this is plated - the model is a mix of brass, nickel silver and plated pewter (?). It probably tastes horrible
(memories of nickel silver cutlery that the silver plate has worn off...)
I'd go for lacquering on that particular model, but agree that brass painted with transparent or semi-transparent paint is really stunning.