If you're looking for a solid glossy black finish like other black hardware you're familiar with, this is NOT the product for you.
The one I got (and seems like other reviewers as well) is completely matte, very roughly finished, not uniform in color at all, looks very worn and "used".
Personally I think it looks very cool and it matched my guitar great, so I got lucky.
So it can serve a purpose, just probably not what you expect, beware!