1936 - Shakespeare Marvel - 1357, 9 - Clean up for Sale

Question
I have a 1936 Shakespeare Marvel 1357, 9' rod. I would like to sell it and would like to get it in the best possible shape before doing so.

The rod is mint condition from what I can tell the bamboo is all without any nicks or scratches and all of the thread wraps are clean and tight. Both tips are intact and in great shape. The original bag with tag is still intact The one thing that is puzzling is that it seems someone has varnished the cork handle?

My questions are:
1. Should I clean and polish the aluminum rod tube?
2. Should I clean all of the guides and ferrules brass/aluminum?
3. Should I lightly sand the varnish off the handle?
4. Is there anyway to polish/clean the bamboo?

As mentioned above I want to clean it up for sale and not harm the patina on the metal parts if that is important to its value.
I know it is not a super valuable rod I've seen mention of $160. - $300. as values.

Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Christian, Do not touch that rod with any chemicals or sandpaper.  If it is worth anything like you say it would be useful only as an antique and any attempt to renew it will cut it's value way down.  Put it on sale as is.  Cleaning the tube holding the rod might be OK but I wouldn't even do that.
I hope this is      of some help.

Jack > Gaither          (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole, Georgia