O.K. Dont kill the messenger. Seems like the subject has worn itself to a frazzle so I called Cathy Wright at the MOC, Im assuming everybody knows her. She's stared at a lot of ANV flags spending many hours picking out threads from old restorations and I think can be considered reliable. Heres her email.

Thanks again for your phone call earlier this week in regards to flags WD 249 and WD 252. I was able to get up the vault earlier today, and verified that the borders are indeed a different fabric than the usual wool bunting. As I believe you know, Howard Madaus indicated the fabric was “challis (flannel)”. I believe it is challis, although more specifically is an unbrushed wool-and-silk challis.

I will have an opportunity tomorrow to look into the issue of WD’s 253 and 256, and whether or not they are the same fabric as Richmond Depot-produced flags.

Cathy understands this stuff as well as anybody and if she sees a difference then its pretty reliable. Whether this signifies a Staunton product or not is another story. P.S. These debates are very helpful in informing the many that are not so knowledgeable. Thanks to all.