In either case, I think veneer would be a perfectly
acceptable solution so
long as the underlying wood is carefully chosen.
Unless it is a full-on museum quality restoration, you are correct.
One thing comes to mind with all this - it is possible that, in these
early days of DEC and their "interesting" construction consistency
(paint jobs, anyone?), it is possible that either hardwood or laminate
is historically accurate. Maybe even hardwood on one side, and
laminate on the other. It is also possible that various types of
hardwood could have been used - whatever DEC could get at the time.
--
Will