I've finally got some closure on this.
in my inbox this morning:
Hello Seth,
Thank you for your e-mail and question. Your bike is an "American". The American manufacturing group produced aluminum hardtail mountain bikes all through the 80's and 90's. They also produced frames for many other brands.
They were cool. Maverick American did not produce this bike.
Best Regards,
Tim Johns (T.J.)
Maverick American
now does anyone know anything about " The American Manufacturing Group?"