There were a few minor scratches incurred in shipping.  Nothing serious enough to impede the performance and I thought it unlikely that raising a support is would result in any better condition if it was reshipped, so I got out some dark furniture stain and rubbed that in the scratches.  The entire piece is solid wood except the two back panels are plywood.  Not a bit of MDF anywhere.  Very sturdy: I was quite pleased with that finding.