P-38 Grip Question

[muddinman04]

Hey guys,
Bought an AC 43 P-38 at the MAX show this weekend and have a question. The grip panels have a red paint on the outside that is chipping away in spots to black underneath. The inside of the grip panel is black.
My question is...has the red been applied post factory? It's pretty thick and looks like it could have been applied at the factory, but I can't find any info on P-38 painted grips. I think it's been applied after being captured, but just wanted to ask the experts before removing it.
Thanks!!

[frundsberg]

Never seen a painted bakelite P38 grips panel like yours,the paint seem old too,I would leave it alone and find another original pair of grips for the gun and use the painted grips as conversation piece.