These pistols are marked "E. MIDNIGHT." on the top of the barrels. As laid out in the included research binders, Edward/Edmund Mittnacht/Midnight (1823-1913) was an German immigrant who came to the U.S. from Bremen, Germany, in 1852 and originally worked as a gunmaker in Philadelphia before moving to the German enclave of Egg Harbor, New Jersey, roughly 50 miles to the east of Philadelphia near Atlantic City. He was drafted in 1864 and served in Company B of the 11th New Jersey Infantry during the Civil War and was wounded in battle (war records included in the research file). After the war he continued to work as a gunsmith as shown in the included census records. He lived in Seaside Heights in the final years of his life. Most records list his last name as Mittnacht, and they seem to switch back and forth between Edmund and Edward. The lack of other surviving pieces with Mittnacht/Midnight markings and the fact that he does not appear in Philadelphia directories may indicate he worked for a larger firm. The pistols are a very Continental European style that was also known to be popular in Philadelphia. They have German silver blade front sights, adjustable notch rear sights, banded breeches numbered "1" and "2" respectively, same on the wedges space, checkered grips with attractive scroll carved borders, and engraved German silver furniture. The English fitted case has an "RMN" inscribed plaque on the lid and interior compartments containing lead balls, a round wood cap or patch container, ramrod, patch cutter, ball mold, patches, screwdriver, nipple wrench, powder flask, and key.

Very fine with 75% plus original brown finish, vibrant original case colors on the breech plug, brown patina on the lock, light aging on the German silver, some light oxidation, and minor marks. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving and checkering, a small chip at the nose, light scratches, and strong original varnish. Mechanically excellent.

Very fine with 70% plus original brown finish on the barrel, dark case colors and brown patina on the lock and breech, absent front sight, light aging of the German silver, and minor spotting. The stock is very good with crisp carving and checkering, a group of dents below the bolster, minor marks and scratches, and strong original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are mostly fine with mild storage type wear. Overall a very nice set and possibly the only known guns by E. Midnight. They are certainly the only ones we have ever seen.