Nickel Plating removal Help!

[Flying10uk]

The bayonet and nose piece have been plated but most of it is gone leaving sort of a patina not blue not rust.

Why not see if the remaining nickel will come off with the careful application of a buffing wheel, and coarse polish, applied lightly and or a rotary wire brush. The chances are, by your description, that the nickel wasn't applied very well in the first place and may well come off quite easily, with a little encouragement.

A while ago I had a 1907 bayonet that had some nickel plating left on it that I wanted to remove and it came off quite easily with a rotary wire brush.

Obviously, if the above are attempted then appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn, including suitable safety goggles/eye protection and a suitable dust mask.