I checked in with Jeff Glickman on how he's coming along with the 2-2-V-1 analysis. He can't see individual rivets but he can discern rivet lines. Does the spacing between rivet lines on the patch match the spacing between rivet lines on the artifact? Is there a crossing (vertical) line of rivets on the patch that is not present on the artifact? Is there a line staggered rivets along one edge? These are questions he should be able to answer. The big issue, of course, is establishing scale in the photographs. The bowed/bulged shape of 2-2-V-1 complicates that process but he can correct for that. He's going to give us a full written report with illustrations.
We've decided to go ahead with the hyperspectral imaging of the artifact. We'll rent the camera for three days ($1,500). Jeff will fly here ($500) and we'll do the work at the new TIGHAR HQ on August 27, 28, 29. We'll have a reception/cook-out on the Friday afternoon and evening for anyone who wants to come and meet Jeff and talk about the project. Planning is still in the initial stages. More to come, but if you think you might be able to attend let me know.