Yup -- the cb is brass, turned and threaded, then engraved on the CNC mill and plated. Since brass won't take chrome, it has to be plated in nickel first, then chrome over the nickel.
I like the overall execution of the pen and LOVE the centerband. Very elegantly understated. GREAT transition from the cap to the body. AND , I know, first hand, that these are not the easiest materials to manipulate.