A recent investigation (7) comparing STURP sticky tape sample fibers with those of the radiocarbon sample by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectrophotometry and also Scanning Electron Microprobe Spectroscopy demonstrated a clear difference in the chemical composition of the radiocarbon fibers from those of the various types of Shroud fibers. (Note that this calls into question the accuracy of the radiocarbon date). In Table 1 (below), it can be seen that the radiocarbon fibers, although they are from a waterstain area, are "saltier" than the waterstain image fibers from the rest of the cloth. Since the edges of the waterstains on the body of the cloth are unbounded permitting free diffusion, this implies that missing panels were already missing at the time of the 1532 fire, as such a bounded edge would concentrate diffusing dissolved salts at such an edge. Therefore, we conclude that the creation of the side strip itself also predates the time of the repairs following the 1532 fire.
This same study (7) provided new evidence confirming previously reported conclusions (3, 6, 8) that the Shroud is not a painted image and that the blood images represent blood derived materials. It was also shown that the congruence of the dorsal head wound images on the Shroud with corresponding images on the Cloth of Oviedo provide strong evidence that the radiocarbon date is not just possibly inaccurate, as suggested by the chemical composition data, but is actually inaccurate in view of the known historical age of the Sudarion. Bollone ( 9) has also independently made this type of comparison between images on these two cloths.
Several authors have suggested that the purpose of a corded side seam might be to facilitate hanging the cloth for exhibition. Certainly many paintings of such medieval exhibitions show the Shroud being displayed in such a manner with the cloth shown along its length and held or suspended along what would appear to be the side seam. It should be noted that this mode of display places maximum stress at the end points of suspension and tearing of the fabric would be expected to proceed firm the ends inward along the seam. Some historical accounts record that certain noteworthies were given pieces of the Shroud. It would be logical to assume that such samples would be taken from such torn end panels, thus providing a simple explanation for the missing panel portions of the side strip. Perhaps the De Charny family decided to repair such damages at the time of their display of the Shroud. Maybe the radiocarbon sample is simply rewoven material from the time of this repair. Had the recommended protocol for taking this sample been followed (7), we would have an answer for these questions. Dan