I collected antique brass for a number of years and sold brass in the antique business. I imported from England yearly. My bonus to myself was a few pieces of  antique brass mainly candlesticks. 18th& 19th century.

I discovered a product called "BarKeepers Friend"-found at grocery store  in  a can like other clensers- using a soft blue nylon scrub pad -non scratching- applied it on the water dampened pad Rinse with water and dry with paper towel. Little rubbing.

Result are not spectacular but really dirty brass is clean with shine for little work on my part. I liked the rinseing with water that made it simple  Cleaning big pieces like fire fenders I took outside.

Drying with a paper towel helps the shine. Good Luck !