Maybe they stained it with rusty nails and vinegar.. (I've heard that can be done)... or a coating of poo.
But seriously you should be able to get someone to match the colors again..
I knew a French polisher who could do magic with most stains and wood-grains..
Bit of a bugger though.. don't suppose you can show a pic of the original color next to the washed off one..
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