I have a Selmer cigar cutter alto sax that is at least 70+yrs old. Still has the original gold plating and laq finish. Its still like new, I have never had anything done to it,except pads I clean it with soft rag and that's it. I even play it once in a while, Kinda difficult while riding my 1953 Rotrax though. Cheers John Crump OldSaxNOTforsaleBrit, Parker.Co USA