This pistol was manufactured for prominent San Francisco retailer A. J. Plate. He purchased 58 pairs of Henry Deringer's famous pocket pistols as well as 164 pairs of copies of Deringer's pistols manufactured by Slotter & Co. (formed by other German immigrants who had previously worked for Deringer). This pistol is most likely a pre-1863 era Slotter & Co. pistol manufactured before Deringer sued Plate for selling unlicensed copies. This pistol is very similar the pair on page 50 of "The Deringer in America Volume One: The Percussion Period." A comparison with the Plate retailed example by Deringer on page 28 demonstrates differences in the markings, engraving, and checkering. It has "MADE FOR/A.J. Plate/SAN FRANCISCO" on top of the barrel, Henry Deringer style markings, attractive scroll engraving, and "7" on the main components. The pistols in the book are 5 and 8.

Good with dark brown patina on the lock and barrel, lightly aged patina on the German silver, and minor marks. The refinished stock is also good and has fairly distinct checkering, minor edge wear, and handling and storage marks. The lock is mechanically fine, and the markings and engraving patterns are crisp.