Alexander Macrae

Alexander Macrae was a British silversmith active in the second half of the 19th century. He worked both independently and in partnership with other prominent artisans, producing an array of highly decorative silverware primarily for the British market.

A gifted craftsman, Macrae established his first business in 1856, operating from 32 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London. During this early period, he worked under his own name, specialising in fine silverware of various kinds. His first hallmark was registered in 1866, marking his formal recognition as a silversmith of note.

In 1870, Macrae entered into a partnership with Martin Goldstein, a skilled silversmith, leading to the firm’s rebranding as Macrae & Goldstein in 1871. Their finely crafted silver pieces were highly sought after, both in Britain and internationally, due to their exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated designs.

The partnership dissolved in 1878, and Macrae continued his trade until 1886, when the business was sold to Cornelius Joshua Vander (1837–1904). Vander, who had been an apprentice at Macrae & Goldstein, expanded the company and later transformed it into a limited liability business. Under Vander’s leadership and subsequently that of his sons, the firm flourished, becoming C.J. Vander Ltd, a name that remains associated with fine silverware today.

Beyond producing silver under his own name, Macrae was also a supplier to other esteemed firms, including Elkington, Hunt & Roskell. His workshop contributed to the output of these prestigious companies, further cementing his legacy in the world of British silversmithing.