Removing finish without impacting mother of pearl on table

6 Attachment(s)

I was given this small round table having shown interest a few times. I would like to learn how to safely remove the varnish without discolouring the wood or the mother of pearl (including the glue). I'm thinking that 0000 steel wool with thinners would be my first choice but then think I may do more harm than good. On larger pieces I have taken to gentle scraping and much happier with the results compared to when I just sanded. Any advice appreciated.

I have included some other photo's to help with the contact of the damage done by others during repairs. I'm going to try cutting the excess glue off but not try to pull is apart as I believe I would do more damage.

I'm thinking this is a 1970's or 1980's piece from the screws. I have seen a similar style piece before but it was a genuine old piece. I still think this will make someone a nice piece as well as help my skill development.

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Have you tried using a little metho in a spot test to see if its shellac?

If you get some time, these two dudes do restorations and have detailed information on how to fix literally everything: https://wpatrickedwards.blogspot.com/ and https://patricelejeune.blogspot.com/

Sadly not shellac. Thanks for those sites that looks very interesting. I have been looking at some furniture conservation books as well :)