Color for Death's Head Insignia for KG54

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

In preparing to do our EOE color profiles for KG54 He111 and Ju88 aircraft, we're trying to determine exactly what paint color was used on the Death's Head (skull and cross-bones) insignia on unit aircraft. Markings and insignia books, such as Ketley & Rolfe, show it as white. Many photos exist of this on aircraft, and on the majority of them this insignia is definitely not white. It appears to be about a medium gray on the one color photo I've seen of a force-landed He111 in France during May, 1940. However, researchers have suggested that the color is not gray, but a metallic silver color. Can anyone provide any evidence or proof of what color this insignia was painted? Was it initially white, then changed to a medium gray or metallic silver color?

Thanks for your help.

Regards,