Surface "issues" on sterling silver - rhodium plating? something else?

I am curious about a sterling vanity set I've had since I was a kid in the 1960's. The hairbrush, in particular, has an odd pattern of discoloration on it, and my usual silver polish (Wright's) does not change it at all.

This is a Saart Bros set, and since they started rhodium plating these types of things well before the 1960's, I'm wondering if this discoloration results from some deterioration of that plating, or if it's something else entirely.

Here's the brush:





I would appreciate any ideas or input!

Thanks so much!

-C-

 

I'm not sure but very curious to know!

 

Awww - it's so sweet, and with 'our' initial...

It looks like a worn lacquer coating, I've had pretty good luck removing the remnants with 100% acetone and cotton pads, had to use mineral spirits a few times - after removal, some pieces that have been polished often, will show a faint outline where the deteriorated lacquer had been. Jeff Herman uses a gentle stripper: http://www.hermansilver.com/beforeandafter15.htm

~Cheryl

 

Thanks so much, Cheryl! Now, that makes sense, but why the heck is was lacquered is beyond me... I'll have to get some acetone & see what I can do.

Thanks again!
-C-