Like the other reviewer, mine arrived damaged at the top where the box mounts so they need to do something about the packaging. I was able to bend it back and you don't notice it once the box is mounted so it's not a big deal.The post color is "bronze" but it's a very dark brown color, and has a more organic look than a plain black post. The top has threaded screw holes that work with the included hardware as well as normal holes spaced out a little more for different mounting options. The post can be used in dirt with or without a wood post in the center and can mount to cement with the holes in the bottom. I didn't need to use an extra bracket with my mailbox, the top mount was sturdy enough and the box is on solid.Overall, a very nice post and I really like the clean look. Some paint chipped off where it was bent so I sprayed with with some black paint to prevent rust and you don't see it. Once installed, this post should last decades, it's really well made and study and would be very difficult to knock over unless you drove into it with a truck.