Alf, the inner and outer cages would be made of steel. [COLOR=C0C0C0]The bright (decorative) chrome plating is usually deposited over a flash thickness of nickel which, in turn, is deposited over layer of copper to boost adhesion and surface smoothness. I'm guessing the 'brass' you are seeing is a combination of the photography, the yellow cast that nickel has and/or the copper layer shining thru the worn upper layers. If the chain did not saw thru the cage there must have been one decent size imperfection in that sheet of steel. Usually, I see front cages cracking and breaking at the bends that forms the horizontal bridge for the pivot ears as the result of many forced shifts, poor lubrication and bent components. Anything is possible though. Murray's are pretty much toys and the abuse they see is incredible.[/COLOR]