I am going to be looking for one of these for a friend of mine, as authentic as possible so not just a random souvenir to take back home. I wonder if there are any places I could check out while there that would be willing to part with local history if the price is right.

When you start considering something like this, you have to think more about customs than you do the locals being willing to sell it. You may not be allowed to take it off the island and your home country may not allow you to bring it into the country. It's something you should check out before you buy.