Occupation smedsgäsell ???

What does this occupation mean?  Translation I get is balcksmith. 

Does smedsgäsell mean any more? The word gäsell is not familiear to me. It sounds similar to a German word. Some references point to a gäsellbrev... a letter or certificate to practice the trade? Does this imply he was in business for himself?  or a journeyman?  or something else?