It is a tri-level solid core. A nice one. Keeping the bands consistent when the cane has been worked down to 1/2" is a reflection of real skill. Cane cut marbles were made in Germany (and later, in England) from around 1860 - 1920.
Its a very simple design to make. The technique is called "raking". Looks like they blew off annealing, but thats common when they are in a hurry. Its not really a pontil. Its a small diameter glass rod attachment.
The Popeye patches were factory discards. They are overwhelmingly in that color combination. I have seen an entire wood Army footlocker full of them for sale.
"It depends". But it does affect desirability and value.
Be wary of people who sell using the description "As-made". These days its popularly used as an excuse for a condition problem... trying to infer that it is somehow less impactful on the marble's value. It isn't.
And the increasingly popular use of the term to describe nicks and other damage as if it makes that damage anything less than it is - is simply BS. How would they know when damage occurred? In the end - that damage is simply what it is.
Avoid such sellers.