If you would, please check again with your friend on the wool flannel border. This is a sample of wool flannel done on a period loom in a weave pattern from samples at the MoC and other museums http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/Wool-Flannel-Dyeing.jpg As you can see the weave is much tighter then what is seen on the flags border. The wool flannel was mainly used for clothing, blankets, etc. Maybe it was wool gauze, with a wider weave that was used http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/Wool-Gauze-Natural.jpg This sample is from the same textile weaver and mainly used as backing on upholstered furniture.

These are close up of the stars but the border is visible http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/0526_8.jpg & http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/0526_5.jpg This one is a larger pic of the 51st NC, note the weave of the border material http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/NC51flag5thissue.jpg & flag in question http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1360131/ANV-7182011/0526.jpg fairly close wouldn’t you say?

Has anyone with historical textile experience checked the flag?

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin
www.Confederate-flags.org