I just got an original 1943 dated M2 tripod and T&E (I think). I dont think it was ever loaned out (to Israel anyway) as it is missing the holes in the feet for the pegs, when used in sand if I remember right. Anyway, it has alot of olive drab #7 green paint still on it. From what I've gathered WWII production tripods were painted this color and later on, just parkerized. The date and other data is on the head, behind the pintle ring, NOT on the front leg bracket on a seperate brass dataplate. So were most WWII M2's painted OD green during the war? I wasnt 100% sure, but this is what I was told and I thought I would get some more info seeing as how I'm new to actually owning a 1919A4.