Hi All,  For cleaning and preserving old wood finishes of all types,
I have had good success with a commercial product called Kotton
Klenser, by Kotton Klenser products; many times sold by antiques
dealers, (as well as being used by them).  Apply this with 0000
("4 aught") steel wool, wipe off, and repeat as necessary.

Once I have the finish "klensed" I follow with a product called
"restor-a-finish" by Howard Products, Inc.  I know that restor-a-finish
is available on Amazon.  I recently applied this combination to an old
walnut grandfather's clock case rather than stripping and refinishing
it and the results are beautiful.  I am becoming aware that, to
preserve value, restoring the old, original finish is preferred to
stripping and refinishing a valued piece.

However, if you must strip it and the finish is truly shellac, the
easiest stripper can be made using a mix of half denatured alcohol and
half lacquer thinner.  The finish just melts away and you are not left
with any messy goo like you have with conventional strippers.

Have fun!
Pat DeWitt - in Northeast Indiana where we are finally being blessed
with some rain!