Colour question: WW2 maple leaf

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

What colour was the maple leaf painted on WW2 Canadian army formation flashes? Conventional wisdom is 'gold'. Decals would imply a metalic gold; period artwok a mustard yellow. In the early days before decals or adhesive transfers, what colour would have been available for hand painted flashes? I recall a restored WW2 British bike who's owner kept the original marking untouched. I think the maple leaf was 'yellow'. Would there have been metal leaf gold paint available circa 1942/43?

A 1st Corp flash in my garage is awaiting your response...