Ernst Reinhold Schmidt

History

Ernst Reinhold SCHMIDT (1857-1928) was born in 1857 and died in 1928 in Markneukirchen, Germany.

He was apprenticed to J. Kretzschman from 1871 to 1874; sources also refer to his teacher as Jul. Kratzschmann.

He worked as an assistant for O. Bausch Emde and H. Hammig, and from 1874 to 1877, he worked for Riechers in Berlin.

In September 1880, he established himself independently in Markneukirchen, founding the factory E. R. Schmidt & Co., which he led until 1902.

He developed the workshop into an extensive and productive business with his brother, employing a large staff.

Craft

• Workmanship: Instruments were produced in various grades, including 'artist' and 'solo' models, which are said to be his personal work.
• Models: He worked after all common models and also developed his own viola model, which sought to achieve the tonal richness of the so-called Ritterbratschen without imitating their excessive dimensions.
• Design: His viola model featured a very wide lower part that ran into blunt corners, while the upper part was completely rounded.
• Materials: Fine classical models were made with varnish and materials appropriate to their grade and model.
• Varnish: He used both oil and spirit varnish.
• Branding: Instruments were branded on the back button.
• Labels: Labels bore the company name and included the inscription: "Antonius Stradivarius / made by E. R. Schmidt & Co.Violin Makers, Saxony / only genuine when bearing our written signature. / E. R. Schmidt".

Influence

• Apprenticeship: He was apprenticed to J. Kretzschman from 1871 to 1874; sources also refer to his teacher as Jul. Kratzschmann.
• Journeyman Work: He worked for O. Bausch Emde and H. Hammig, and from 1874 to 1877, he worked for Riechers.

Legacy

• Awards: He was awarded gold medals at Vienna in 1892 and Leipzig in 1913.
• Business Development: He developed his workshop into an extensive and productive business with his brother, employing a large staff.
• Leadership: He led the factory E. R. Schmidt & Co. until 1902.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His independent workshop and factory, E. R. Schmidt & Co., were established in Markneukirchen.
• Label Inscription: Labels included the specific text: "Antonius Stradivarius / made by E. R. Schmidt & Co.Violin Makers, Saxony / only genuine when bearing our written signature. / E. R. Schmidt".
• Viola Model Characteristics: His unique viola model featured a very wide lower part with blunt corners and a completely rounded upper part, designed to achieve the tonal richness of Ritterbratschen without their excessive size.

Summary

Ernst Reinhold SCHMIDT (1857-1928) was a German violin maker who established an extensive and productive business in Markneukirchen in 1880, after apprenticing with J. Kretzschman and working for notable makers like Bausch, Hammig, and Riechers.

He produced commercial work in various grades, including 'artist' and 'solo' models, and developed a distinctive viola model.

His work, which included fine classical models with appropriate varnish and materials, earned him gold medals at Vienna in 1892 and Leipzig in 1913.