Different

This is a not uncommon kit, popular with pen turners:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/bullet-cartridge-pen-kits.html

http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2080355/Cartridge-Bullet-Pen-Kit.aspx

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=22634

I looked at the link...I don't see, nor does the website show how a pen (ballpoint?) is incorporated into a live cartridge.
Even if someone did do it...any self respecting gun owner should realize that live ammunition is not a "toy".

Stupid is as stupid does.

In your face Jim Brady

I've seen dozens of these at antique fairs, curio shows, gun shows; all done by soldiers in WW1. they're called 'trench art', and the field includes ashtrays, lighters, flasks, field pieces, biplanes - all made from brass cartridge cases, shell casings, bullets, shrapnel, and bullets.
A lot of time on their hands, when they weren't killing/dying for their country.

Go and get on in MA. . . when the cops arrest you for owning it you will be looking at jail time if you don't have a gun permit. . . just for having the brass, it doesn't even have to have powder or a primer on it. . . This state is a mess

bill: I doubt it's a loaded cartridge. The dent in the side of the cartridge casing is caused by extraction from an automatic or semi-automatic firearm, which means that particular cartridge has been fired, and is therefor spent. I doubt they went through the trouble of reloading it.

Also, if this pen uses a standard ink cartridge, the shaft would have to extend through the primer hole (which would probably need to be drilled out).