Daniel Henrich Schmidt
Active 1768- 1811.
From Strelitz, Germany, arrived at the Cape as a soldier in 1768. Served as sword-cutler in the service of the Dutch East India company from 1768 to 1778, receiving his burgher rights as silversmith in 1779. Married Helena Elizabeth Bastroo on 26 September 1779. Died on 29 December 1811. Recorded working at 64 Lange Street in 1800 and 64 Lange Street in 1811.
Daniel Heinrich Schmidt produced some of the finest Cape silver when compared to his contemporaries and in “A History Of Cape Silver” the author David Heller states: “As a master-craftsman Daniel Heinrich Schmidt may be compared – and not to his disadvantage – with Paul Storr, the most celebrated silversmith of the late George III period with whom he was contemporary. Both were deservedly famous in their respective countries….”
This salver is one of a handful known by Schmidt who was commissioned to make the Van Reede Van Oudtshoorn salver, now in Museum Africa, which is very similar in style to this one.
The salver in the Lutheran Church made to match a German example also shares many similarities to this example. Dimensions: 22.8cm by 22.5cm by 2cm high. Weight: 416 grams.
Provenance: The Old Corkscrew