Finish on MS Smoothbore Cannon diorama question

[thibaultron]

I'm building the Model Shipways Smoothbore Canon diorama, and have an esthetics question about the bulwark clamp and railing finish.

 

The completed model photo on the box shows the bulwark clamp and railing stained, which I have done. The question is should I use matte or gloss varnish on these pieces? I've used matte on the deck, but gloss on the two stained pieces would make them stand out better, now that I've stained them. However would a matte finish be more realistic?

 

The bulwark will be flat black. Should the bottom of the clamp also be painted black, or would it also have been "bright work" finish?

[Guest Tim I.]

I would select Matte. Caprail would of been buff or black. 

 

Also each Captain had certain latitude to paint their ship as they saw fit within certain parameters. So whatever you choose should be alright.

 

- Tim I.