[Ron Ramirez]

Well...to answer your earlier questions...

The escutcheon may be brass, but is more likely steel that is plated - or painted - brass. As I recall, brass was used for the 1939 escutcheons but not 1940; I'm almost positive they are steel with brass plating (or painted to look brass).

As to the top of your cabinet, the lacquer is in pretty bad shape, judging from your pictures. Looks to me like selective refinishing is in order; I don't think Howard's will help you much here. (Oh, and you'll want Walnut if you use Howard's Restore-A-Finish.)