Beautiful Antique Oak Dresser

I was looking for an oak dresser on Craigslist and finally found this one...for $45!!! It is seriously beautiful, with paneled sides and the remainder of keyhole locks. (Yes, the owner before me put CONTACT PAPER in those gorgeous drawers!!!) I have never stained a piece before, preferring to paint...but my husband says this dresser is too gorgeous to paint over. I am a little anxious, but very excited to begin! (I need an orbital sander, but haven't been able to pull the trigger...I might have to for this project!)