Edison Diamond disc knob question

[GrafonolaG50]

Were the crank and horn lift knobs on an Edison S-19 originally stained or painted black?. My S-19's knobs have had most of the black worn away and now bare wood is exposed. Were these parts originally painted or stained? Should I repaint or re-stain and clear coat these to keep them from deteriorating? Also, how can I get old gold paint off of the crank without damaging the remaining plating underneath?

[Lucius1958]

Black became the standard finish for crank and lift handles in June 1915. I think an ebony stain, or perhaps nigrosene in alcohol, would be best, followed by a coat of shellac.
Bill

[GrafonolaG50]

Sounds good enough for me. Thanks for the information. Still trying how to figure out how to strip 1960s gold paint from the crank without destroying the underlying gold finish.