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 nearly matches 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 features a small brass blade front sight, "MADE FOR/A.J. Plate/SAN FRANCISCO" on top of the barrel, a "P" flanked by wavy lines on the upper left flat at the breech, "DERINGER/PHILADELA" on the top of the breech and lock plate, and attractive engraving on the furniture.

Very good. The iron has light gray patina and some mild pitting. The German silver accents are mostly bright with only minor aging. The silver toe plate and trigger guard have mild aged patina. The markings and engraving patterns remain crisp. The stock is good and has distinct checkering and minor marks. The lock is mechanically fine.