Decoration with finely engraved silver plates and inlaid threadsand pins made of silver or iron are typical of his work. This technique was used by gunmakers as early as around 1600 in Paris for Louis XIII and around 1620 by master gunmakers in Germany.

Beyond this, Schmidt also understood the techniques of locking mechanisms and of barrelsmithing. A document from 1636 records that the Carinthian estates appointed the “honourable, skilful” Hans Schmidt as the “true” officer and master fitter of the barrel hammer and rifle workshop. He oversaw master gunsmiths, barrelsmiths and stock-makers as well as their journeymen and apprentices.

Two years later, Siegmund Ludwig Count of Dietrichstein engaged the “master fitter” to inspect all of the products made by the master craftsmen settled on his manor. All of the goods had to be marked with the coat of arms of the lord of the manor, Siegmund Ludwig Count of Dietrichstein – two wine knives in a cartouche. Detailed records of this also reveal large deliveries of pistols and carbines to the Graz armoury. In 1656, Emperor Ferdinand III awarded Hans Schmidt the noble title of “von und zu Helding”. His works are among the best European handguns of the 17^th century.  

Since the end of the 19^th century, only hunting weapons have been produced in Ferlach. In 2010 the traditional craft of the Ferlach gunsmiths was included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria by UNESCO.