Most platers now only plate with chrome which doesn't last as long as the English did it. They did(or do?)triple chrome plating which is copper, nickel and then chrome. I had some new pipe plated about 3 years ago and it already has some small pits. At Custom Chrome on N Utica in Tulsa.The only time it has ever been wet is when I washed it. I also have some original pipes on a Tri which had set outside for many years. It will still clean up almost like new. 37 years old.