1940's Bedroom set

I have inherited a 1940's bedroom set that has a "blond" type finish on it. I have started stripping the old finish off, revealing a reddish type wood underneath. It looks like a light rust color. The finish is whitish and extremely gummy and sticky when you scrape it off. The best way to describe it is like melted marshmallow and I would like suggestions how to deal with the removal better. I am using an over the counter stripper. Everything I'm using from scrapers to steel wool is getting gummed up with the old finish.I would also like to know what kind of wood this could be. I have a lot of pieces to do! Help!!

 

Bismarck:

You're dealing with a combination finish - it's paint AND lacquer combined, and yes, they can be messy.

I normally use a semi-paste stripper. I put it on, wait about 15 minutes, then go back and look at the area I've covered. If it looks dried out, I apply another coat over the old. The dry look indicates the stripper has stopped working - necessairly that ALL the finish has been lifted. When I come back again and find the surface still looking wet, I know the stripper has done everything it can. Then I scrape the residue off.

The web site below offers a stripper that makes high promises. I haven't tried it myself, but have heard good things about it.

http://www.dumondchemicals.com/