brown leather as far as I know. Leather weathers differently and can be anything from a redish brown to a dark brown. Grease and grime on the hands, transfered to the leather or wet leather would certainly make it a darker color. Dust and road dirt would again discolor it as well and would be reflected in the appearance of the leather.
The tie downs are simple pieces of round stock that have 2, 90 degree bends in them and straight in the center like a handle or like the larger tie downs you see on the rear decking. They are just smaller. Small enough to be hidden behind the tool or implement and not too proud of the surface of the hull. Just enough to slide the strapping through.
The period color photos I have of the add on sheet metal sockets are OD. With plenty of wear. The contemporary reference pics I have show them painted OD so my vote is the OD.
Mike
"Imagination is the dye that colors our lives"
Marcus Aurellius
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