What is this for? Keeping pots of tea warm?
Do you use sterno for that?
alcohol gel pot, the little tins with blue goo in them used by caterers.
Though judging by the small glass in there you either burn alcohol directly or use a candle.
Alternatively: file that fucker down then hit it with some sandpaper then a scouting pad, and worry less overall about it. Nail files would be fine even, just clean them with a hard bristled brush after. That metal should be pretty soft.