The wood color difference is mostly from UV exposure. I run a sawmill and you might be surprised how quickly wood, especially oak and poplar, start to darken after you open the log and it gets exposed to sunlight. I have some 100 year old lumber from a disassembled old barn and the oak boards have a very beautiful, unique dark hue that cannot be replicated. People ask how to recreate that finish with new lumber but it's just not possible. I'm sure some of your darkness is due to old shellac, but I'd say enjoy your aged oak! That's a very valuable color that literally takes a century to develop. Take care ✌️
