Thanks T-Mar
I’ve checked every inch of the frame including the seat tube and bottom of the bracket. There are no stamps of any kind on the frame.
Shift lever is indeed 7 step.
cog count on the rear is 8 so this might be interesting.

i wonder if this is some sort of Frankenbike or a prototype given the lack of a serial number.

does anyone know if this gear set requires any special considerations for a chain?
the bike came without one so I have to acquire one and install it.