removing old dry masking tape from furniture

I hate to say it, but father had a fetish with masking tape and he put masking tape (the cream-color variety), everywhere including the antique furniture. I have this 1930's Cedar document chest which at some point lost its front locking hinge, and you guessed it, father sealed it with two stripes of masking tape all around it. I can't get it off. The masking tape has stained the cedar finish. Yes I'm going to refinish it, but the masking tape needs to be removed first without sanding it. Does anybody have any trick to dissolve or remove the old tape without causing more damage ? Thanks.