I hear you , bigwull .
Looks like brass to me
!
Whatever it is , I'd suggest stopping the oxidation & giving it a coat or two of wax or mineral oil as a protectant , Classy (or if you wish , simulate patina with a coat of brown or black shoe polish
) .
Kinda wondering how the base (looks stamped-out) is affixed to the body & if this item was stamped-out from sheet , or spun (plus maybe a shot of the bottom of the item) .
Looks modern craft-work (less than 30) to me , all in all , esp when lacking patina & several spots of oxidation here & there .
Would make a good busy 'designer' piece , catch-all or nut bowl in my home (not knocking it , though) !