I have never been really clear on this.I know white mats were used on brass models and have seen pictures of them on various early years through 1915. Most restored cars I see have black mats. My question is were black and white mats being used at the same time ? For example could a 1914 have either black or white and be considered authentic ? Are they both equally authentic ? ----is there a specific reference source on this

Ford used only natural rubber floor mats in 1914. Reproductions come both white and black.

The white mats look great ...... until they get dirty then ...well the black hides the dirt well !
Royce natural rubber mats were grey weren't they ?
David

But what is the source? On page 123 of Bruce MnCalley's book Model T Ford etc----he refers to 1912 models having "off white". This is not clear to me.I need more specific information and clarification -----if available---------thanks

The source I have is original factory photos from 1914 which I purchased from Ford Photographic services last year showing a brand new 1914 touring with a natural rubber floor mat. I cannot publish the photo because of my agreement with Ford which I signed as a condition of purchase.

Natural rubber is neither white nor gray. It is sort of a cream color. The white reproductions do not exactly duplicate the look. But they are far closer in appearance than the black ones, which were not used until maybe 1917.

natural rubber is an off-white color.
Tires had/have carbon added to the rubber so they don't wear out so fast.
The floormats have something added to them to make them black.
In those days everything that was made from rubber was that white color.