I am a fan of the polished look, but without any protection from the elements it requires constant attention if you want the shine to last. So as a compromize to Brooksie & Capt Larry's suggentions, you might want to consider a clear powder coat finish after a good cleaning/polishing. Then you get the best of both worlds.........at least until the powder coat eventually fails. With freshly finished mahogany and shiny brackets, that would be a hard seat to beat, and not very common! (Your secret is safe with me - I won't tell Santa why he had to use a milk crate this year.) Good luck with it.