Is this mold?
I received this a couple of months ago. It was my mother's machine. I learned to sew on it. My Dad gave it to my mom as a present the year I was born. It is very sentimental to me. I've done nothing to it so far, but have it on the top of my list as a project. (I'm parting out all the machines that are in the way right now.)
It has those white dots, which I would guess is mold. As I understand it, the shellac is breaking down. You can see on the top where the machine was lifted and lowered many times. I'm not sure if it's dirty or the shellac is going south.
I noted that you suggested that the french polish takes some practice. I have a 201-2 that is about the same age and condition (minus the white spots) that I could start on. However, I really like that one, too and don't want to mess it up either.
What do you suggest?
bkay