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@Wheelnut
Maintaining an oxidised finish without it becoming pitted is best achieved by wiping with Linseed oil from time to time. A clear coat of lacquer or varnish would simply peel off.
But please, please, please don't subject your 1948 Soens to deliberate rusting.
It would be sacrilege to subject an ultra-rare hand-built 60-year old frame to this. Heck, it's lasted this long, why not try to preserve it instead of wrecking it? Why not do this to something that isn't so precious instead?
The chroming process could also make the very thin butted 531 tubing lose temper and you'll lose all of its 'life'.
If you have any feeling for old bikes, please don't do it.