Old Fat Guy, the mirror finish of decorative chrome plating is actually how the base metal has been buffed. The plating just gives it the colour and protection. You may have actually removed the chrome and got down to the nickel, which is thicker. Nickel has a "warmer" look than chrome. There is also what is known as "hard chrome plating", which does not have to be as very shiny, but is thicker, maybe several thou. It is used to provide wear resistance for cylinder bores, rods, and such.