Hi, I have a mass-produced, ornate mahogany rocking chair that belonged to my grandparents until the mid-eighties. Its upholstered seat has heavy steel straps and springs and is held to the frame with large, heavy old screws. The secondary wood is also mahogany (unfinished) except for the board at the front of the cushion frame. I’m guessing it’s 1920s—30s (my grandparents got it second-hand, so I don’t know). Someone painted or stained it black and I *think it was reupholstered at that time. Most of the black finish has faded or worn off.

I’ve scrubbed it with a plastic-bristled brush and Murphy’s Oil Soap. The black coloring was not affected at all. Rubbing with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits each took off only a little color that I can’t be sure wasn’t grime. How do I get the black off?

Thanks!