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An online retailer who carries DW trombone mouthpieces describes them that way - the "Heritage" model has gold plate on rim and cup (no mention of a silver plate option.)

This is the odd looking one with the shallow rim and cylindrical sides. The old model that looks kind of vaguely like an old Conn 2, with the mass up around the rim, is apparently called the "Classic", and might be cheaper if it's available at all. Looks better, too.

DW used to have a very thin and very vulnerable layer of gold plating not applied on top of a layer of silver, but on top of nickel. For me the availability of the much better silver plating was a big relief.

Has the new and costly gold plating improved over the old one.

Klaus

To clarify the situation about the Denis Wick Heritage mouthpieces. My understanding talking to Mr.Wick himself is that the all over silver and gold options for the Heritage style mouthpiece are being discontinued - to be replaced with the two tone silver/gold as in my post in the Sponsor section viewtopic.php?f=9&t=47628

Yes they are fairly expensive - I am not making much profit on the prices quoted in my post. However they are very good mouthpieces and I personally particularly like playing using the 2SL (solo or F), 2XL (EEb and CC) and 1XL (BBb bass in brass band). The 4L I have also found good match for the Bubbie tuba.

There was problems with gold plating at Denis Wick back in the 1990's which has long since been resolved. The gold plating on the new Heritage mouthpieces is over silver and quite stable. I have been using for a couple months with no problems with the finish.

The old style 'Classic' mouthpieces are still available and at considerably lower price. Personally I never liked them, but mouthpiece choice is very personal.