Getting oil / polish out of old timber?

[flintandsteel]

Working on a new project which needs some serious work.

I collect and restore these old beasties for when I have some spare time.
Issue with such like is that the timber will have accrued / absorbed lots of old polish and to a degree some oil over the last 240+ years.
Traditionally Linseed is used on suchlike.
I've used Meths and Acetone over the years with varying success.
I'm wondering
a) is there a better alternative?
b) when treated with Meths or Acetone is the residue neutral and stable?
The other issue with the above is old badly glued breaks. Steaming will get those apart but will it also bring oil and polish out of the wood?
Just thoughts, always good to learn

 

[Keith 66]

A good cleaner is equal parts of turpentine, meths & white vinegar mixed with half a part of boiled linseed oil, this will remove dirt & old polish, without destroying original finish. Use sparingly with fine steel wool or brass brushes or old toothbrush.
But if a stock is as bad as that one you have your work cut out!