People seem to make an issue of the varnish. Paint stripper, dry them out, lightly sand any roughness and soak for a few days in linseed. Job done - far more comfortable.
Thanks all for the information and taking the time to reply. It's appreciated.
Theres a couple of pictures of the frog here http://imgur.com/a/qN2QB But it'll probably already just confirm what you've already said.
*ED and Phil, I ended up using the sharp edge of a file and almost 'turning' it off.. . (with apologies to all the turners on here!) and then just sanding the last bit. I quite enjoyed the last bit. I made up some of the restorer Andy T posted about as a finish when I get round to it.
Ah, I thought the tote was the front handle. And yeh, the lever cap... Oops. It'll stay as it is then. Nevermind, not the end of the world.
Thanks again all.
Chris
Might be more mid/late 70's than 60's. Looks like a pressed yolk? The frogs that I have with a cast yolk have a better feel in the adjustment department, perhaps a touch less backlash.