I'm restoring my 37 1507 1036 which has an original interior/steering column. It was in storage for 55 years and there was no prior interior work done on it before then.
I researched the steering column for the same reasons. I am re-chroming mine for durability reasons to keep it original...generally, I personally dont like lots of reflective hardware in the drivers compartment, but it was about the same cost/effort to strip the chrome and repaint as just replating, so I stuck with "original".
My best research indicates that chrome on twelves was standard, except on chauffeured cockpits, where the driver (employee) didn't warrant chrome in their utilitarian driver's space, so the default was drivers space/dash/undertrim was painted on the cockpit trim. Generally, in that era the owner/boss had higher status and warranted special trim in THEIR rear space and kept things in the employee/chauffeurs space "plain" to reinforce the status quo of the era.
However, as with all senior Packards of the era, you could always request painted cockpit trimmings on any vehicle to match the solid interior accent color (typically satin-off gloss dark tan, brown, or maroon) to match the radio receiver box and heater shroud. Conversely, there were a few customers who requested chrome chauffeur quarters.
So, I discern that your friend's chromed column is correct.
I recommend that you message Bob Supina as he has the evidence and history for 37 senior cars of options, trim, default coatings, etc. His particulars are found at:
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