Well, im pretty pleased how far this thread has gone!.
But im sorry , anyone who doubts the pictures of the natural sycamore V.Artiste uploaded recently by MGEEK are in serious denial!
The pictures were sent to me by its owner a couple of years ago, which in turn I passed on to MGEEK (after he confessed his yearnings to see one in reality!)
Its current owner bought it from a guy in the 1990s who originally bought it BRAND NEW from a shop in london,1962.
It appears that either it was one made up out of remaining parts left over from the final V.Artiste/ V.A Deluxe production run - or a customer order.
However the latter wouldnt exactly make sense, as it was bought new in a shop.
its clear to see that it is a natural sycamore finish, as the grain can be seen shimmering through the clear lacquer.
I have no doubts that this example is original, admittedly not so sure about the rotary switch however, its owner has looked at this particular part in detail, and he thinks its pretty much identical to the type fitted to Bison Models and the like of the same vintage.
just my 2 pence worth!!.