Get the Merz, then work it out with the SO. Sometimes it's easier to obtain forgiveness than permission, and you will never see another bike like it.

As a bonus, you have the provenance direct from the builder's mouth here on C&V. When was the last time Ernesto or Ugo chimed in to tell us about one of their bikes? Okay, bulgie and Dave Kirk have treated us to some great posts, and Bruce Gordon once confirmed his serial number system, but you get the idea.