Painted or Rustic?

I have been hunting for a narrow console table to go in my hallway for ages. I found the perfect one a few weeks before Sandy. It was lovely....clean straight lines, mirrored top, and really long. "Michael" (the owner) and I emailed each other and decided that Sunday, November 10th would work perfectly for both of us. 

It was located in Asbury Park, NJ. In case you don't know, Asbury Park was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Once our power and internet returned, I emailed Michael to see if he was OK....and I thought that there was a slight chance the table made it through, too. I never heard from Michael. I hope this means that he is fine but the table is not?

Back on the hunt.....I ran across this one on CL. I liked it, but was not sure. So, I emailed my friend who is now really famous and featured in House Beautiful. She shoots it really straight with me....and doesn't add an ounce of sugar on it. 

She liked it.

This carved scroll detail is really lovely. However, I could not get passed the fact that it was painted metallic silver. 

So, I hunted a bit more and saw this one. I started thinking brass might be the answer....still not sure. 

A Craigslist Listing

I decided to design by committee. I sent the altar table listing to this friend for a second opinion. She also shoots it straight, only it is done in the sweetest southern accent....at least that is how I interpret her emails. Do you ever read emails with an accent? 

She also liked it. In fact, she sent me this picture for inspiration.

Source?

Sold! I traveled really far....over an hour and a half each way. It wasn't the longest distance I traveled for a purchase, this was. 
The table has a wonderful story behind it. It was purchased by the current owners, a really cool young couple who are in the design business. They also renovate homes themselves. It was moved here from Chicago, their former residence. He told me that their Chicago loft was featured in a magazine. Impressive, yes?
Here is the altar table in my garage. I could not hide this one from my husband.

Here is a close up of the metallic finish

Continuing with the design by committee method.....what do you think? Should I make it rustic like the picture above, or paint it?