Last spring we purchased a Gothic revival cabinet, beautifully carved walnut est age at turn of century from Belgium. It has a dark shellac? finish that in the last few weeks has started to disappear in spots and in several spots it has turned into a silver metalflake looking finish and actually bled from above to form a horizontal 'run' in the finish below it. It is so strange, I have never seen anything like it! I checked the internet for finish problems and found no help there, I am praying one of you may have an answer as this old dark finish is turning grayer at a rampant pace. I can furnish pictures if necessary. One other thing.... I have not oiled or touched the original finish in any way, as we want this to look very old with its nuances- but we didn't expect it to turn gray and lose the finish. 3 days ago I applied mineral oil to a side panel, it did not help. I applied orange glow to another panel, it also did not help. Help!
Robert