Slotter & Co. was founded around 1860 by German immigrants Charles, Henry, and Frederick Schlotterbeck. Their joint venture remained active until approximately 1869. The latter two brothers worked for Henry Deringer before their joint venture and Charles may have also worked in the shop at some point but was living in San Francisco and working for A.J. Plate in 1860. They manufactured high end copies of Derringer's iconic pistols and also produced a number of plains rifles such as this. Like most of their firearms, this rifle was destined for California and so marked. Many of their guns were sold through Charles former employer. The remaining two brothers moved to the West around 1869-1870. Henry went to San Francisco, and Frederick settled in Seattle. All three continued to work as gunsmiths through apparently separate ventures. Henry was well known for his custom Sharps rifles, and Charles and his son were also known for their accurate rifles. The barrel of this classic American rifle is marked "SLOTTER & Co PHILA MADE FOR RUDOLPH SAN FRANCO CALA" on the top flat behind the rear sight and "GAIN TWIST WART" on the upper left flat at the breech. It is equipped with blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights and double set triggers. The lock is marked "SLOTTER & CO PHLA" at the front. There are some nice flourishes of scroll engraving on the furniture that is similar to the style seen on Deringer's pistols. Most of the fittings are German silver. The straight grip walnut stock has two wedges as is commonly seen on the firm's plains rifles, checkering at the wrist, and a cheek rest on the left side. A wooden ramrod with brass tip is included.

Good. The barrel and lock have a mix of worn brown finish and brown patina and a gray patina on the edges. The remaining furniture displays a mild aged patina. The markings and engraving patterns are crisp. The stock is very good with a few minor dings, chips, scrapes, and cracks. The rear wedge is absent. The lock and set triggers are very good.