When I was recently in NYC I spent some time at the Waterworks showroom. Their products are beautiful and have a classic, timeless look. They do an un-lacquered brass finish that starts off as quite a regular looking brass but quickly ages into a gorgeous patina. Here is an un-lacquered brass faucet "new" and "after" one had been in the showroom for awhile. The Waterworks line is expensive, but they have an online shop that offers some great looking pieces at more affordable prices.
Before
After