Lonnie it is black. Here is a factory 1954 photo for reference. I have owned one truck that had the plate in place and it was semi-gloss or flat. On the plate it was just on the top surface of the bowtie not on the raised portion.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2135659920102454676dObmaJ

Last edited by Brad Allen; 05/11/2012 3:21 PM.