Mike,
Before the petcock is installed in the radiator it looks nice like that one. I had those reproduced with the correct markings because all others had the ears on upside down. Unfortunatly, that is the last time they are shiney. They get painted with the radiator assembly. Think of it this way. Why would Blackstone, Fedders or Long put the radiator together with a dummy plug then take it back out to install a different plug after they test, dry and paint the radiator? The cars you have seen with a shiney plugs where either warranty replacements or just replaced with whatever. Would be nice if they didn't get painted but they are just boring old black.

Bob Schirmer
Glen-ray Radiators
1.800.537.3775
1.715.842.3352