Original lettering paint

[Armistice]

What colors were used to color the stampings?

I've seen some Mosins with a white, and some SKS's with an orange color

Were colors only on certain rifles, or only during certain years?

I was in the gunsmithing section and checking out the "Learn to paint your selector/ trademark" thread

I remember seeing a few C&R's on GB with the original painted stampings, and wanted to give it a go if it was original to the rifle

[TRAP55]

I don't think any are made that way. It's usually done to highlight stampings for photos. Here's how to do it:

http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/whitelettering/whitelettering1.html

[metalliman545]

ive heard the importers/exporters do it so they can more easily read the serial numbers.