Update:
I heard from the seller (the shop owner) today, explaining in great detail what has been happening behind the scenes.
Evidently he has been working remotely, and in reviewing the sale noticed a photo in the group of photos for the uke that wasn’t included in the listing: a clear photo of the stamp inside saying “Made in the USA”. Seeing this, he instructed his staff to pull the uke back and give me a refund while they sorted things out. This explains the somewhat disjointed messaging I had been experiencing.
Upon doing more investigation, the owner found the stamp inside photo was actually from a different 2M listing they recently posted, and it had been mixed in with the photos for the uke I purchased. The story and provenance of the the uke I bought also lined up with it being accurately listed the first time.
So, pending a confirmation that it is indeed pre-war as originally thought, the owner/seller offered to honor the original price and to re-ship for free. I was so impressed by his thoughtfulness and integrity that I said thanks, but that I would want to pay for the shipping. I guess that’s the guilt I feel in my initial reaction to this all.
Thanks again for those who advised a level-headed, wait-and-see approach. It looks like I may yet get my birthday dream Martin after all.