SInce you've gone to the extreme of sanding the bejezus out of that cabinet, let me give you a couple of pointers to fake it to make it.
I'm a french polisher by trade and when we use to get some absolutely destroyed pieces in, we use to cover up some bits with some nice aesthetics so suit.
You will still need to finish it in something. Trying to get beer stains out of the raw timber is going to **** you to tears.
For a good hard wearing finish, go for an external clear finish.
Something like Cabothane clear will work. But only get the water based.
Oil based will take weeks to dry.
A harder, two pack lacquer would be better, but I cant find any local hardware stores stocking it any more.
Tint the clear to make it a little darker. Not to much and definitely no more that three coats or it will look like a toffee apple.
The corner pieces you put on are a good idea, but they dont really suit.
How about some brass pieces?
Maybe a little like this...
You can find some nice brass plates that you can also cover up the joints in your timberwork.
http://thecharleygirl.com/73921/bra...lly-4-brass-chest-or-desire-with-regard-to-5/