Just to clear up a few things. I may be the only one who is contributing to this discussion who has used, continues to use and is in routine contact with TPA. They do not currently do analysis only conservation and preparation for exhibit. This began after Fonda retired. We have one flag there now and just received one this week. I have known Fonda since 1977 when we worked on the Ft. Sumter flags together. She was head of textile preservation for the NPS and I was Historian at Ft. Sumter at the time. I am currently Chief Curator at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. I appreciate you sharing you techniques with us. Since this has twice been proposed as an Alabama flag, I would be interested in the results of your test and am puzzled as to why you attribited it to an Alabama command (infantry?) in the first place. If it is because it resembles our state flag, we did not have one until the 1890's so I am justifiable curious. I would also be interested in those you use for analysis since we may have need of their services in the future. Thanks.

Bob