Antique Brass Or Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set Gold Servant Tongs Log Holder

I do not know how to tell if this is brass or cast iron. It has a gold finish for sure & looks like brass, but the bottom of the servant is covered in rust.

I didn't think brass was supposed to rust. I just love antiques & thought that this was beautiful, that's why I bought it. But I don't have a fireplace and won't be able to put one in after all. The tongs are 30 long.