The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ORMOLU
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
R
M
O
L
U
More clues leading to the result ORMOLU
- Metalwork in upper-class bathroom around dressing room
- Metalwork in posh bathroom around dressing room
- John collaring man about uniform’s decorative coat?
- Gold leaf in unusual room, with centre in blue
- Rum loo embellished with gilt decoration
- Alloy containing gold spy finally replaced by uranium
- Brassy stuff that could make for rum loo
- Middle of column’s rebuilt with gold at the top as gilding
- Second left in our cuckoo clock
- Dubious gold trim in unopened dorm has Lou confused
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shiny coat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shiny coat = ormolu.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ORMOLU mean?
ORMOLU noun- Golden or gilded brass or bronze used for decorative purposes.
- To decorate with gilded ormolu articles.
- Made from golden or gilded brass or bronze.