Maybe I should've mentioned, Tony, that this axe is for ceremonial purposes only. While it's built heavy enough to use, it was purchased for display. The couple will have their names and the Fireman's Maltese Cross engraved on it. The ring bearer at their wedding will walk down the aisle carrying the axe, held high, and present it to the couple at the front of the church. They'll eventually mount the axe on the Mantle or in the trophy case at home.
I've checked out a few polishing videos and would be able to do it, I guess -- but want to tread carefully on those waters -- the axe cost the couple $140, and I don't want to further mess up something that I'll end up having to replace. I doubt that we've got a plating shop within a few hundred miles, but I'll check out the local metal-working businesses to see if maybe there's one about which I don't know.
It's polished to a mirror finish -- did i say that before? Anything else will not be good enough for the couple. It'd sure be great to be able to dip it into the chroming solution - but then we're back to the problem of the wood handle not being detachable. I'll get a photo of it tomorrow and let you see the thing.
Thanks for your ideas so far -- and please keep 'em coming. The one that I finally use gets his engine's valve covers engraved for free, assuming they've got a flat area suitable for engraving. All you'll need to do is send them to me. How's that for enticement? For that matter -- if you're so good, I'll ship the axe to you, you polish it for me, and when you ship it back - send your valve covers, too.