Stripping advice

[SoupDragon]

No, not that sort.

I have this box (in fact I have two but this is the worst condition). Is there a way of stripping the added varnish off without removing the gold lettering underneath?

I've no idea what the varnish is but it appears to scrape off but I think this will damage the lettering if I carry on (I tried it on a small part of this more damaged box)

almost certainly not.

Do you think the gold paint was applied in the factory, and the varnish added later by an owner?

Is it varnish or French polish?

how old is it?

I thought not too.

The lettering is part of the original and someone has then out an opaque colour over the top that covers it. I'm not sure what it is and couldn't guess really. It's not water soluble though!.

The better box is varnished which I assume is the original finish as it has a beautiful patina. The sides still have whatever this added layer is over the top though. I can test patches on this more battered one first to see if it's possible.

It's such a shame as it would be beautiful.

The gold will be transfer lettering rather than paint.