Alexander Macrae
(1856-Present)
Alexander Macrae was a British silversmith whose name stands at the foundation of one of London’s most enduring silver firms, C.J. Vander Ltd. He established his first workshop in September 1856 at 32 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, and quickly built a reputation for producing finely made silverware. His earliest hallmark was registered in 1866, marking his recognition within the trade.
Alexander Macrae silver hallmarks close up on a silver ewer sold by Jacksons Antique
By around 1870, Macrae entered into partnership with Martin Goldstein, forming the firm Macrae & Goldstein, which was first listed in 1871. Their partnership produced silver of high quality and supplied pieces to many of the leading names of the period, including Elkington, Harry Emanuel, Hunt & Roskell, and Widdowson & Veale. The partnership came to an end in 1878, though Macrae continued to trade independently.
In 1886, the business was sold to Cornelius Joshua Vander (1837–1904), who had begun his career as an apprentice at Macrae & Goldstein. Vander grew the firm significantly, turning it into a limited liability company and developing a global reputation for excellence. Under Vander and his descendants, the company became known as C.J. Vander Ltd, one of the most respected English silver firms of the 20th century.While Alexander Macrae’s own career was relatively short, his legacy is firmly tied to the creation of C.J. Vander Ltd. His early workshop not only produced silver under his own name but also supplied some of the most prestigious firms of the late 19th century, ensuring that his contribution to British silversmithing continues to be remembered today.