Help With WWII B-17 Antennae Color, 96th BG/337th BS

[Dennis7423]

All-

Okay folks, question time! As work progresses on a scale model build of my Grandfather's B-17G from the 96th BG, I am curious about some colors on the real plane. The blind landing equipment antenna (directly in front of the astrodome) appears to be a different color than the obvious natural metal. I think it might be red, just like the nose band. It doesn't appear to be black, or olive drab. What say you? I think it's been painted red, but I have no clue really. Any input would be much appreciated! Here's a few photos:

0568.L.035 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

0568.L.055 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

0568.L.058 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

media-408595 by Dennis SAuter, on Flickr

- Dennis S.
Thornton, CO USA

[hbtcoveralls]

From the factory they were flat black

[Forgotten Field]

I have seen numerous of these and owned a few. All of the ones I have seen are WWII Olive Drab, except the very top of the mast where all the antenna ends connect to the mast- it is black insulating rubber. I have never seen these in red, but I did see one which had red painted on the tips of the antenna ends, possibly to keep from poking an eye out.

[hbtcoveralls]

Here's an NOS one for sale for a reference,

the top part is flat black on this example

https://aeroantique.com/products/antenna-as-27a-arn-5