restoration of split cane blank

[Stephen Watts]

Hi Chaps

Have just become the owner of a mkv split cane avon rod.Although i, mmainly a match angler using carbon i,m quite enamoured with the rod and would like to restore it.The rod is in a used condition and looks like it had not been used for years. Probably left a long time in a rod bag with a damp patch there is an area on the butt section where the cane has lost its varnish and gone a weathered grey/black colour.How do i restore the cane to its buttery colour,and corrrectly revarnish the area.or would it be beneficial to strip and rebuild.