This banjo came with a green perloid pick guard. Some banjoists used pick guards to protect the banjo head or to keep their right hand from muting the sound of the banjo by resting on the head. For whatever reason it was used, this is an example of what they looked like. This pick guard attaches via metal brackets that are held in place on banjo hooks with small screws. This banjo is thought to be a 1930s era Slingerland. The Slingerland Musical Instrument Mfg. Co. was based in Chicago, Illinois and was owned and operated by H.H. Slingerland. The company changed names several times, including The Slingerland Banjo Company, Slingerland Banjo and Drum Company and others.