Vandersteen VSM-1 and End Caps

I have an opportunity- if I'm prepared to make a *very* long drive - to acquire a set of VSM-1s and a V2W subwoofer at a decent price. While coaxial speakers are hard to get right, the goal of phase-coherence through such mounting could ease the burden of critical placement and expand listening beyond a "sweet spot". That's the claim anyway. This series isn't in wide use, and test reviews ar rare. The only one with test results was in Sound and Vision, and the FR was nothing like claimed by Vandersteen, and far worse than the 1C. Curious what others' experience with this series has been. 
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/vandersteen-audio-1c-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

The set on offer is black with black end caps, and I'm curious what's under the black pigment. Is it hardwood, veneer, or just MDF? I'm not fond of all black speakers, and if the latter it will be tough for me to refinish those end caps. Neither the seller nor Vandersteen have responded to this question.