I have a 1969 B-body column apart right now,(column shift car btw) and the lower shaft and coupler are painted a gloss black. Main tube and jacket parts are suede finish.
Although I can't say for 100% if it's original or not, but I'm confident enough that it is ,that's the way it's going back together.

I'll post some pictures once it's completed if needed( trying to decide if I want to send the inner shift tube to be replated or not)