I recently acquired this 16 inch FT as part of a deal. It has been painted red, though obviously was wrapped in a satin wrap (texture and swirly reflections). Please see the attached pics and try to help me determine if this is a Slingerland or an MIJ copy. The shell appears to be Slingerland to me, though some of the hardware suggests MIJ (like the rim - as I think genuine Slingerland Slick Savers had a more gradual slanted curve to them)???
Also in question are the leg mounts - which appear to be Slingerland, though I am not sure Slingerland ever used arms as opposed to T bolts.
Also see the lugs - which, by the way - (at least) the inserts on the bottom lugs appear to be MIJ as a Star lug fit it.
My guess so far is a very good Slingerland MIJ copy - but the shell does not make too much sense as the wood looks more like Slinger Maple than MIJ Luan. Every once in a while, we will run into a genuine MIJ drum without the verticle grain luan (more common in BDs).
The badge is gone, but it evidently was the oval shape (which suggests Apollo?)
Could it be a Slinger shell and MIJ hardware??
John
