No idea as to age. Gouges in wood can be raised if the fibers are not cut by using an iron on a damp cloth directly over the gouge. This must be done slowly so the wood does not scorch. The finish may need to be redone after this or maybe just polished out with rottenstone. Old English furniture polish does a very fine job of blending minor nicks and dings into the finish. I would try the least obtrusive method and work up. In wood finishing, you can't put back on what you take off.