Silver Plated Texas Antique: Colt Patent Dragoon Revolver .44 Presentation Cased to
Lt. Col. A. H. Franklin C.S.A.
First, this dragoon is in very good mechanical condition and all the screw are crisp. On the back strap is engraved, “Presented to LT. COL. A. H. FRANKLIN”. The bore does show some very minor corrosion. The finish is of the most interest. When this Dragoon was acquired it was all over a dull gray. I have given the frame and cylinder a light polish just to highlight the silver plate. I made sure that I have not removed any Silver. It could be brought to a more brilliant shine if it were desired. High lighting the silver plate also drew more attention to the engraving. We show here photos in both Silver and gray. Next: the Presentation Case, again it is in very good condition Inside and out, with the outside lid showing some scratches and dings, but the finish is still bright without any major rubs. The Presentation plaque has seen the most abuse, yet is still very readable. “ PRESENTED TO” “LT. COL. A.H, FRANKLIN— C.S.A.” FROM HIS FELLOW OFFICERS. In the case are a charging flask and a bullet mold. The mold is also engraved “LT. COL. A.H, FRANKLIN— C.S.A.” I am also including the CIVIL WAR North South Trader magazine, which has an article on A.H.Franklin.
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Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton Franklin
(1825–1896), known as A. H. Franklin, was a prominent 19th-century Texas lawman who served as the Sheriff of Atascosa County.
His Biographical Profile
• Military Career: Franklin began his military service as a private during the Mexican War in 1845. During the Civil War, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Texas Cavalry (also known as the 2nd Mounted Rifles).
• Law Enforcement: Following his military service, he became a "Texas Lawman," most notably holding the office of Sheriff in Atascosa County.
• Personal Life: Born in Hancock County, Georgia, he eventually moved to Texas where he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer and public servant.
• Legacy: His service is often commemorated in historical military and law enforcement records. His name and rank, "LT. COL. A.H. FRANKLIN / TEXAS," have been found engraved on historical firearms, such as a Springfield Trapdoor rifle.
Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton (A.H.) Franklin
(1825–1896) served as the Sheriff of Atascosa County during a formative period of its history, following its establishment in 1856. His tenure is characterized by his transition from a decorated military leader to a foundational figure in local law enforcement.
Key Accomplishments and Legacy
• Establishment of Law and Order: Franklin was among the earliest sheriffs in Atascosa County history, serving at a time when the region was transitioning from a part of Bexar County to an independent organization.
• Civilian Leadership Post-War: After serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Texas Cavalry during the Civil War, Franklin brought significant military and organizational experience to the sheriff's office.
• Multi-Generational Public Service: Franklin’s career set a precedent for his family's long-standing involvement in Atascosa County governance. His descendants continued this legacy as county attorneys, judges, and educators.
• Historical Preservation: Modern historical records and museum exhibits in Atascosa County, such as those at the Longhorn Museum, acknowledge Franklin as a key figure in the "re-telling of county history".
• Commemorative Artifacts: His status as a prominent Texas lawman is preserved
• through historical artifacts, including documented firearms engraved with his name and rank, which serve as primary sources for historians. While specific case files from the 19th century are often limited, Franklin is officially recognized in the chronological lineage of sheriffs displayed in the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office.
On the left side of the barrels is the word BREVETTE, meaning "patented" or "certified. This is frequently found on antique items from various countries, leading to its perception as an alternative form in English-speaking communities. It represents the fact that Sam’l Colt had allowed the use of the Colt patent to receive royalty payments.
