Here's what I'd do Steve
Hello Steve... new to the Guild Forum.. but not to Guild... What I would do with that Headstock is this...
Have you ever tried working with Acetone? If not, it is a wonderful agent to cut through paint and not to affect your pearl inlay... Now I am not talking about brushing it on and leaving it to eat through the paint... I am suggesting damping it on with a soft cloth and lightly rubbing the finish to see if it will cut the layer of paint off enough to reveal the pearl inlay. Caution... go easy... it will eat that paint right off if left on for any period of time.
I know that this sounds drastic... but finding out otherwise will involve a more astringent method.
I have had wonderful results... but be careful... Acetone will certainly melt the finish you have. But from what it sounds like right now... you are anxious to see what is under there.
Not saying that you are going to have a perfect finish under there, but at least you can see if the pearl inlay is there.
By the way, of you need a good luthier, I have one close at hand that can reclaim this headstock and even cut you a new inlay if that is your desire.
Good Luck...
Scotty Allen