Victor VV 8-9 Question

[85corvetteman]

Good evening ladies and gentlemen of the forum. Been quite a while since posting on here but visit occasionally. Kinda backed off on acquiring more machines since I now have 15, even though you can never have too many !!!
Yesterday I bought a VV 8-9 off marketplace. It’s a little worn but everything is there except the needle cup, front rosette on one of the door knobs and of course the grill cloth. I can easily fix these myself.
Question for all you experienced collectors :
This is definitely a fumed oak machine as denoted on the “The Victor-Victrola Page” but some genius decided to add a finish on the outside that appears to be shellac or varnish. Thankfully the inside of the cabinet was left un-molested.
So, what can be used to remove the varnish/shellac in a slow methodical process without harming the fumed oak finish beneath ?? I read in several posts denatured alcohol could be used. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !!!! Terry

[JerryVan]

I hope the Rolling Stone magazine was included!

Congratulations! This is one of my favorite models. Mine has also had an over-finish on the exterior. In my case, I've decided that it really still looks pretty good and not worth the risk of trying to remove it. From what I can see of yours, the over-finish does not look apparent.

Show us a few more pics of yours. I love to see 8-9's