Rare Cape silver sugar basket by Daniel Heinrich Schmidt, Circa 1779-1811.

Rare Cape silver sugar basket by Daniel Heinrich Schmidt, Circa 1779-1811.

Note: See page 97 S. Welz, Cape Silver where a similar example is illustrated.

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….”

Dimensions: 11 cm wide by 6.5 cm high by 9.7 cm deep.

Weight: 175 grams.