Stripping, when properly done, doesn't remove the natural wood patina, though it does remove darkened and dirty finish that some mistake as patina. Of course, for certain classes of antiques, having old grungy finish adds value. This makes lots of sense for old painted furniture where you can't strip or over clean without really destroying the history. It makes little or no sense with furniture originally finished with clear finishes. The maker intended the look of wood. Old grungy finish is mostly just the effect of bad treatment over the years, which seems hardly something to be rewarded in the value of the furniture. But for lots of furniture--later than about 1830, and not the product of specific valued makers--such as Gustav Stickley, and similar products that were high end, designer or studio furniture to begin with, then a well executed refinishing project, done with little or no use of sandpaper, and sensitive use of materials (NO POLY under ANY circumstance) will increase value, improve the usability, and increase the longevity of the furniture. Personally, I can make a case for restoration of deteriorated finishes even fine period pieces--right up to Townsend tables. But that would still be heavily penalized in the market place by silly furniture dealers encouraged by the Bobbsie twins from Antiques Roadshow and others of that ilk. You look at the inside to see if it is old or repaired, not on the surface finish. Besides grungy finishes aren't all that hard to fake if you can add $100,000 to the value by doing so.
