Silver miniature, man with kite, H. Buijs, Dordrecht, c. 1865

Silver miniature of a man with a kite, made by the silversmith Hedde Buijs. He worked successively in Hoorn, Edam, Purmerend, Schoonhoven, and Dordrecht.

He used this maker's mark from 1861 to 1867 while working in Dordrecht.

Hedde Buijs (often also written as Hidde or Hedda in official documents) was a Dutch gold- and silversmith active in the first half of the 19th century (circa 1826–1867). He is a fascinating figure within the antique world due to his specific specialization and his somewhat mysterious, itinerant lifestyle.

In the 19th century, many silversmiths worked in the same city their entire lives. Hedde Buijs deviated from this. He is registered in the archives of various North Holland and South Holland cities:

Edam & Purmerend: This was the foundation of his career. He married in Edam and had children there.

Hoorn: He also lived and worked in this West Frisian city for a period.

Schoonhoven: In this renowned Dutch 'Silver City,' he was registered as a gold- and silversmith's apprentice and die cutter.

Dordrecht: