A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about a prototype ANV flag that preceded the manufacture of the three "original" ANV flags made for Generals Van Dorn, Johnston, and Beauregard. The basic story, as I recall, was that Beauregard sent the prototype to New Orleans, but it was retained in Mobile along the way; thus, many later battleflags manufactured in Mobile bore the same 12 stars as this supposed prototype. After the war, the prototype was said to have ended up in a New Orleans museum, from whence it disappeared in the 1970's or 1980's. It was rumored that a medical professional in Omaha was in possession of the prototype, and that the flag was being offered for sale for $1,000,000. (I do not state any of this as fact; I am only reporting what I have heard rumored.) I was wondering if anyone has any firm information about the existence of this prototype and whether any images of the prototype (should it exist) are available, as I I trying to assemble a collection of 12-star CS flags and would like to have a reproduction of this flag made (should it exist and an image of same be available). And, again, I am not trying to start any controversy with this post; I am solely interested in the flag itself and none of any controversy surrounding same! Further, I am not saying in any way that anyone currently in possession of any such prototype came to possess said prototype in any manner other than legally. -- Jim Huffman, Picayune, MS