IN YOUR LAST PICTURE THE BLACK STUFF LOOKS LIKE THE OLD BLACK VARNISH FINISH ON SOME OLD FURNITURE IT TENDS TO CRACK UP LIKE THAT. IF YOU KNOW OF A GOOD SHOP THAT PROFESIONALLY REFINISHES ANTIQUE FURNITURE IN YOUR AREA YOU MIGHT DROP BY AND GET THEIR OPINION ON THE SUBSTANCE. IF IT IS SOMETHING THEY RECOGNIZE AND ARE SURE ABOUT THAT MAY GIVE YOU THE GO AHEAD TO REMOVE IT. I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY SEEN THAT FINISH USED ON A CLUB BUT SOMEONE MAY HAVE VARNISHED IT LONG AGO TO PRESERVE IT. IT IS NOT AT ALL UNCOMMON TO FIND KRIS AND OTHER SWORDS VARNISHED BUT IS SEEN MUCH LESS WITH CLUBS. WISH I KNEW A REAL CLUB EXPERT TO RECOMEND BUT A VERY GOOD REFINISHER SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL BY LOOK AND SMELL. GOOD LUCK
