The flange on this banjo is its most unusual and distinct feature. Most flanges are basically metal rings that are mounted around the wooden rim and in conjunction with hooks and nuts, and the tension band, create and adjust tension on the head. This flange is different in that the wooden rim actually sits in the flange, and is also different in that it has a metal bar running from neck to tailpiece beneath the dowel. This photo shows the rim being slightly lifted out of the flange to illustrate the relationship between the two pieces. 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.