Have a nice old mdl 71 lever action rifle that looks like someone refinished the stock on a long while back. Looks like shellac maybe?? Where it ran onto the metal buttplate it left a waxy yellow like coating if that helps figure out what they used. In several places this finish has worn off leaving the nice original finish.

Is there anyway to safely remove the finish without damaging the original finish? Appreciate any suggestions.

I have not found a way to remove one without effecting the other. 31 years of trying though. If you find a way...let me know

If it is indeed shellac, you MIGHT be able to remove it with denatured alcohol on some 0000 steel wool. test it on an area that won't show if possible.