What was this

[steve B]

I think it's a replica. The small lettering on the arch looks like this one

http://dodgerbobble.blogspot.com/201...eplica-cy.html

It's probably one rejected during production. If the name and other lettering is added rather than cast in, the likeliest way is by silver brazing it on. The black discoloration is what you get with too much heat on the flux. I've done a fair amount of silver brazing on hydraulic tubes, and I'm working slowly at being a bit more gentle with the torch so I can make a bicycle. The bike tubing gets brittle if it's overheated. And many of the things I braze have that blackened look.
That also matches with the word pitcher being in a bad spot. Too centered for a modern one, Not arched like the old ones, And too low to add the year.

since it was a reject, they wouldn't bother plating it. And someone probably brought home some rejects from the scrap bin, either for kicks or a nice little bonus to themselves.

Steve B