Cleaning Heirloom Painted Furniture

To start with why don't you try just plain water. This is how they clean valuable paintings that have hung for centuries. Dampen a paint brush, the kind used for oil painting. Get a half inch wide one. Dip it in water, lightly blot then brush a small spot to see if it works. If it looks like it is coming clean continue. This method will not get the chest soaking wet or damage the paint. Blot dry when you are finished with a spot. It will take a long time but you will preserve the chest.