I have to disagree with the polished aluminum advocates. In the photo on the right of your first post, the leading edge is obviously non-specular (I have a book with an 8.5x11 of that photo). The color density seems to match that of the "NAVY" on the under side of the wing. Note the reflectivity of the C-54 in the background vs. the lack of same on the Bearcat leading edge. The caption of the photo that 'drifter' posted claiming polished aluminum also dates the photo to 1948. 1949 was the only year the "Blue Angels" name appeared on the cowl and the leading edges were non-blue. If you look at the team photos for 1949 at http://www.blueangels.org/Years/1949/Year1949.html, the color density appears too dark to be either white or polished aluminum. I believe the leading edges were painted the same yellow/gold that was used on the "U.S. NAVY" markings. I'm not willing to bet the house on being correct, though. To get a definitive answer, I would suggest contacting the public relations officer via http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/index.htm and see if they can help.