Williams Superratchet gold plated direction knob

[3baygarage]

Looks to be a directional switch for a JH Williams 1/2" Superratchet.

This was found at an estate sale by a friend who buys and sells tools. After he sat on it for a little while we worked out a deal for it. He probably figured who else would want this.

The last picture shows it next to an S-52 ratchet.

I see lots of Williams tools with copper plating showing, or copper that never made it to chrome. With all the gold plated tools out there, I'm wondering though, has anyone seen gold used as an under layer on tools?
Or Has anyone come across a gold plated Williams ratchet?

 

[whyNick?]

Dumb question- how do you know it's gold plated?

It'd make a nice tie tack.

 

[3baygarage]

Not a dumb question at all because really I don't know. That's the reason I'm asking. I suppose there should be a question mark up there in the title.

It's very bright gold colored but then again it could it be brass, right.

I'll have to show it to my neighbor that worked at Williams, see what he says.