Is there any way, to get this strip off, without damaging it. This, spoils the whole box for me. Would like to take it off, polish it up, spray some laquer on. It`s obviously glued on very secure.

There is the way - to heat it with hair dryer, but very gently, (careful with plastic) - it should help, but only if the previous owner didn't glue it with some strong stuff.

Try on the scrap box, first.

No problem good luck.