These pistols have "MADE FOR/A.J. Plate/SAN FRANCISCO" marked on top of the barrels, faux Damascus finish on the barrels, six-groove rifling, blade front sights, "DERINGER/PHILADELA" on the breech plugs and locks, "P" with wavy lines on the upper left sides of the breech plugs, scroll engraving, German silver furniture, pineapple trigger guard finials, and checkered walnut stocks. There are "11" (A) and "1" (B) markings on multiple components, including the trigger guard tangs. These have been listed at times as inventory numbers for A.J. Plate. They come in a fitted wood presentation case with a beveled lid (similar to Colt Paterson cases), a loading rod, powder measure, ball mold, cap tin, small powder flask, a Robert Stein Variety Store trade card with notes on the back including "Bought pistol $5.00," and an A.J. Plate & Co. trade card. Adolphus Josephus Plate (1818-1878) was a German immigrant, 49er, and a major firearms dealer in San Francisco. He opened his shop c. 1850 and was well-established by 1855. Among the firearms he sold were Henry Deringer's famous pocket pistols which were popular in California, but most of the pocket pistols, at least 428 pairs, were pistols purchased from some of Deringer's former employees who had started Slotter & Co. and were making forged copies of the pistols that were basically identical, including using the same "DERINGER/PHILADELA" markings. One of the Schlotterbeck brothers was one of Plate's employees. As a result, Plate was sued by Henry Deringer for trademark infringement in the 1860s, and Deringer ultimately won.

Very fine with 85% plus of the brown finish and distinct "Damascus" patterns on the barrel, light original case colors on the breech plug and lock, crisp engraving, light aged patina on the German silver furniture, and minor overall wear mainly from age and storage. The stock is fine and has strong original finish, light scratches and dings, crisp checkering, and a faint repaired hairline crack at the toe. Mechanically fine. The relined case and accessories are also fine with mild storage wear.

See "A."

Very fine with 80% plus original brown finish and distinct "Damascus" pattern on the barrel, traces of original case colors, some light aged patina on the German silver furniture, crisp engraving, and mild age and storage type wear overall. The stock is fine with crisp checkering, mild finish loss, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive pair of California retailer marked pocket pistols by either Henry Deringer c. 1858 or more likely Slotter & Co. c. 1860.