Thanks FrankenWashie, I haven’t worked with Pawlonia before, does this look like it?
Concur the back appears to be some form of mahogany. One piece of the pieces has a nice bit of flame.
Speaking of the back, I did a coat of less-runny timbermate and knocked it back - it’s better, but I’m still not that enthused about it. It seems to me like high contrast grain filler is a great idea for a bound or veneered top, but much more difficult to pull off with rolled edges & end grain. Once I’ve sanded back to the point the grain looks vaguely even, it doesn’t feel properly filled/smooth any more.
Gold paint candidate 1 is in - Rustoleum Metallic 'Pure Gold':
I actually quite like it, it seems a bit pale for a vintage look but has a nice amount of green in it. I’m planning on top-coating with poly which will darken it slightly. I’ll continue the search though.
I’ve also pulled the trigger on a gold mother of pearl blank for a headstock inlay, wish me luck.