The consensis is all very thin CA looking at the end of the piece it needs to be used all the way to save it because it will peel badly otherwise. History is clouded with mystery re this ship apparently the end result worth the effort in the collection perhaps to keep it under wraps if the secrecy if any is needed judging by the inferences perhaps the provenance is difficult to declare.
All the best the pucker factor will be high if there was a pro firm who specialised in inducing the timber was available I would head for them so many guys over this way are having marvellous success with their methods and in the USA many thrive in this treatment.
If rarity and certainty are critical it beats hands down having a go and maybe. Any treatment will change the feel of the timber to another dimension in weight and appearance all considerations. Look forward to your success.
Your original question of which kits to choose from one that relates in style and design to convey your take on your blanks from the available using catalogues and internet is certainly worth while and pics are worth a thousand words to help in choosing, what do you want to see it as how will you display it is it a feature in your collection? All considerations then the design of the pen itself .
Kind regards Peter.
