Removing the shellac completely I think is the only way I could keep the original color(which I do like too). I wonder if keeping the decals would be possible, though. Or I should say what's left of the decals. Glenn's shellac repair is here
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t186522.html
But, I'm thinking this is too far gone for a simple repair and it needs to come off and I need to respray it.