I haven't loaded a round into it and probably won't since I am awash in USGI mags. It looks like it has seen a fair amount of usage in its long life. Somebody "polished" where the name is, probably with steel wool. How nice of them.
Inland44, thanks for your additional insights and speculation. I too don't like to question anything that Bill R. has to offer. That said, I really don't see what anybody would have to gain with making a fantasy piece such as this, especially since nothing looks like it had been made from an existing 15-round magazine. It really doesn't look like Bubba played with it.
It seems to be slightly lighter weight than my other 15-round mags, or at least the IU one I compared it too. I will put some additional photos online tomorrow, showing the mag follower and the base plate.
You are probably right that this one could remain a mystery.![]()