[Arran]

I know one thing, that handle obviously convinced someone to try picking up the set by using it rather then picking it up by the base, and that likely led to the top coming off and cracking the veneer. This happens a lot with sets like the G.E S-22 series sets from the early 30s, except those are so heavy that the handle usually snaps off before the top comes off.
Bob;
When you get around to replacing the veneer see if you can find some book matched veneer, it looks like that was what they used to get that mirror image effect around the speaker grille. It was likely French walnut, probably stump walnut or butt walnut, hard to tell with the bad finish, but look under French walnut veneer on fleabay, I bought some off a guy that sells leftovers from trimming private aircraft and boats.
Regards
Arran