A furniture maker and gold prospector, Adolphus Joseph Plate was active as an arms dealer 1850 to 1880, selling the pocket guns of Henry Derringer and the Schlotterbeck Brothers at the same time. Brass blade front and notch rear sights on the barrel and tang, with zig-zags on the upper left flat of the breech, "DERINGER/PHILADELA'' on the top, and "MADE FOR/A.J. Plate/SAN FRANCISCO" on the barrel. An additional ''DERINGER/PHILADELA'' is marked on the lock plate, surrounded with scroll engraving. German silver fittings, with scrollwork on the fenced bolster, accent plate, reverse plate and steel trigger guard, floral blossoms on the escutcheons, pineapple finial and a straight border on the inscription shield and the teardrop shaped buttplate.

Good as partially restored, with an attractive original untouched mixed brown and gray patina overall, along with light pitting, spotting and handling marks. The nipple is slightly bent. Stock is good, with a crack on the left side and scattered dents. The buttcap, made of German silver, has been replaced. Mechanically fine.