Before you try the suggestions below go to the kitchen sink and try scrubbing with hot water, dishwash detergent & a hard toothbrush.
Light acid baths are used to get rid of rust, mineral turpentine will remove wax, methelated spirits will remove old fashioned shellac, there are various types of varnish, paint stripper will remove most old types.
I suggest you start with the turps, if that doesn't work use metho, if metho doesn't work go to paint stripper.
Paint strippers are nasty substances, read & follow the instructions on the container it comes in.
For all three work slowly and carefully, demount hilt first.
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