Judicious rubbing with bronze wool and oil will be the least injurious, but there is no true panacea for that problem. No matter how skillfully executed, a discerning eye will pick up on it in the right light. Rub it out, wipe down with OxphoBlue, and oil it, then proceed with the refinish when you can.
Were it mine, and the sentimental value came from its previous ownership by forebears, I wouldn't refinish it, especially if its flaws came about through honest use/wear.
