Shellac may have been the original finish. Shellac is very forgiving to use----IF----(don't you dislike that IF!!)----you use fresh shellac and take your time.

Getting fresh shellac usually means buying shellac flakes and mixing with denatured alcohol before using. That mixture can then last for a year or more when stored in an air tight container.

Buying manufactured (in a can from the shelf in a store) is ok IF the Use By date is a year away.

You can apply shellac with a brush(foam brushes are a BIG NONO!!!!!) or wiping it on(using a diluted mix).

First thing you will see when using shellac is the mixture strength. That is called a one, two, or three pound cut. The link below shows the different mixes(and Shellac.net is where I buy my flakes.)

Shellac also comes in different shades or colors. You can darken the wood you have by using just a darker color shellac.

Mixing shellac

Tagging onto good information from Mac,shellac is simple to repair in later years. Unlike poly finishes,you can darken it by simple applying darker mix right over what's already there. You should be aware that oak will show tiny pock holes unless extra steps are taken before applying finish. Some people (including me) don't believe the holes look bad so they usually don't fill them. When I fill,I normally use contrasting colored filler.

Thanks to you all for the info. I have to get up the courage now to shellac the piece!

Don't let it intimidate you. The only mistake you can make that can't be easily corrected is the color of wood before shellac is applied. Make sure you like the way wood look's because shellac (any clear top coat) will enhance flaws same as desirable features. As Mac suggest's,buy denatured alcohol and shellac flakes. Put some on scrap wood or out of sight area on dresser to get the feel of it. It is best to work fast to cover one panel/section without going back to re-brush. Know that following coats will melt into previously applied coats so no sanding is is required between coats. Dry time between coats is optional from 30 minutes to 30 years. Try not to work in direct sun or in high humidity. Remember,if you decide you would like it to be darker,just switch to darker flakes and carry on. One request,let us know how it worked out. It's important that we know if advice was good,bad or confusing after it's been tested.

Thanks klem1. I will let you know. The poor thing looks naked without any finish!