[Hallicrafters] SX-28 front panel color

[polaraligned]

Hi, new here.  Been messing with the R-390's for a while
and just picked up a SX-28.  The sound is incredible, I am 
addicted to it!!!!!
Question is about the front panel color.  My panel is black,
not the black-gray color I see in so many pictures.  I am judging
the color by the meter casings against the panel, and my panel
certainly is BLACK.  I find NO evidence that it has been refinished.
The inside of the panel is the same color and it looks original.
Question is...were some of these panels made black and not
the black-gray I see??
Also, is there a way of getting a better date of manufacture,
say by the serial number? Which is h-132874.

Any help appreciated,
Scott