No, this is not 'alligator' finish. What you describe is typical of what happens when a fast drying finish is applied over a slower drying finish such as lacquer over shellac. The antique piece you have has probably been refurbished (a new finish over an old). This technique is used to replicate an antique finish. Whithout going into a lot of detail as to why, suffice to say that Wood Elixir will reduce and seal the cracked appearance and stop it's progression but will not likely remove it.
--Previous Message-- : I'm impressed by your product thus far by your : web page and testimonials. : I have a few pieces of antiques that are : mahagany and otehrs unknownm where a : "spider webbing" effect has : occured in the finish. Perhaps waht I see : is waht you describe as aligatoring : finish. : In any case, how does your product deal with : this problem. Is it a fix or just a : cosmetic touch? : :