Bill,

I brushed the medallions with solvent and find the background is the same color as the letters. It certainly could be brass, but it is uniform.

Regarding the wood; most of my Goncalo Alves grips have more yellow in them. Do you think these grips have been stained to the reddish color they exhibit?

If they are of particular interest with regards to the medallions, I would be happy to send them to you to look at in person.

Thanks for your input,

Jerry