Using solid brass (not brass plating), dip it into a solution of salt water (1 cup water, 2 Tbl salt) and then hang it over an inch of ammonia in a covered  jar.  Punch a hole in the jar’s lid to allow a thin wire hanger to pass through it so you can suspend  the brass item over the ammonia without allowing it touching the liquid; all the while keeping a seal on the jar to trap ammonia fumes inside.  Using a hair dryer, heat the ammonia in the jar for 2 minutes and allow the fumes to react with the wet brass.  

Repeat the process of dipping the brass into the salt solution and hanging it over the heated ammonia for 2 minutes.  Try to vary the way the brass is hung over the ammonia because gravity will pull the water to one side, which will create a heavier patina on that side.  

The more times the process is repeated, the more patina; usually 4 passes will produce a nice result.

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