Black means, both black hood and levers.
Silver means, black hood, silver levers.

It refers to the colour of the lever. Black = black levers, silver = silver levers. Black one look great

The colour only refers to the Levers..
Black , or a Polished alloy finish.
All have Black hoods.

They pull the right amount of cable to operate canti brakes but you'll need adjusters somewhere... usually on the brakes hangers.

Probably but not exactly sure. The info sheet that comes with the levers say they are not compatible with linear pull brakes or V-Brakes. To be sure send an email to Cane Creek.....look at the "Contact" section of their web site.

Yes.

I bought from Wiggle and a left/right pair arrived.

Pair. I have them on my single speed.

These levers are for road brakes. V brakes require more cable pull. The 287 V is suitable or find a pair of Tekro levers which are designed for V brakes

If you mean 26mm at the stem clamp, yes. If you mean 26mm where the levers clamp, I dont think so.

These levers will work with canti brakes as long as you have some means of adjusting the brakes... usually there are barrel adjusters on the brake hangers.