[TARNATION !!!]

Just wondering what can be done in the home. If blue is removed, what will remain under there? Are we back at a shiny steel surface or maybe a little patina? Can blue be removed in a slow manner to maybe end up a little less "garish"? Or, is it a complete strip and re-case to get anywhere. Or does one just shoot it and fuggetaboutit.
Here's why I'm wondering. Seller's image. It is a 1912 VHE.