Zinc Saratoga Trunk

I have been so excited since I found this little trunk in my mother-in-laws attic. She past a few years back and I traveled to Michigan from Florida to help clean out her home and attic. When we opened the door to her attic, it was like a time warp. She had so many trunks and wood boxes up there, it looked like someone was planning on traveling but never opened the door for 40+years. Apon first visit, we found an old navy trunk (found out it was my husbands from Navy days), then with more checking we found an old flat top trunk, which I am using for my coffee table today. The one that I fell in love with is the old Zinc Saratoga.. its in great shape but has no key and the latch has a pat'd date of March 69-April 77. it is ruffly about 28inch by 16inches. Its missing 2 of it little metal bracket wheels. I think I shall do 2 new handles and clean it up a little and let it be. I love the latches..If I take a wire brush to them what color would I expect them to be? I am hoping you can tell me that this means 1800's. I was thinking on having it redone but have changed my mind for the time being. It looks awesome in my husbands office that is finished in the ole Navy ship days...Such a perfect addition to our home. Just would like more information on it. I know it came out of Michigan but could be from the Tenn area too as thats where my husbands mothers family lived.