I seriously doubt it's a 79. Those were not around back then. I think more like 89. The serial number listed is 789554 which is not a valid number. I think numbers have faded and are hard to read. The thin veneer under the top is typical of later Alembics.
The top is not wenge. Looks like coco bolo, possibly rosewood.
At any rate, a gorgeous instrument.
Valentino
(Message edited by valvil on May 04, 2007)