Originally Posted By: mc
if it was case hardened that might just be old varnish i cant tell from the pic, but use oil and scotch bright and go lightly (you might need oooo steel wool)


I agree this might be old varnish. However;I'd recommend varnish remover which is NOT abrasive before trying anything else. If varnish remover works I'd then go to a good quality paste wax to clean. Again; paste wax will clean and isn't really abrasive so any patina should remain.
My point here is to try and use the least radical method to restore an item while reducing the chance of damage.
Jim


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