Great background info, Gaucho777, many thanks! I think most of my curiosity is now satisfied but I might be able to post some pix and one will include the serial number (which of course I forgot to write down!)
My "project" frameset has a similar "fade + splatter" paint job and same graphics, but different colors (red rear to white front with yellow splats/drips) and says it's Prestige Tange (if the stickers are legit) but the fork is not an alloy job as pictured above but same paint/splatter as the front of frame, so sure it's OEM.

THANKS again to all who chimed in: I appreciate it!