The attached cut-sheet provides some info. It appears to me that the LS (at least that year) was available in unfinished, clear lacquer, or black lacquer. I can only think that Raw is unfinished rather than clear lacquer.
It is my understanding, and small experience that lacquer is used on furature because it can be sprayed and cures very quickly. I think hair spray is lacquer. Otherwise it is poor finish because it can be damaged by water. White Rain can be washed out.
Clear lacquer causes very little change in the grain of birch.
I would try veneer first. WMcD
LaScala and Belle Cut Sheet (blue grid) (1).pdf