Silver Decanter by Alexander Macrae for Widdowson & Veale

Description From our Silver collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian silver decanter by Alexander Macrae, complete with its original fitted case retailed by Widdowson & Veale. The decanter is finely made in a slender tapered form with a rounded body rising from a splayed circular foot with a pinched stem. It is decorated to both sides with large fern leaves rising from a central ribbon engraved in the form of a tied bow, with crisp detailing and symmetry across the body. The handle is attached to the upper half of the neck and fitted with a domed hinged lid which opens with a gravity-operated mechanism. The base of the decanter bears an engraved inscription reading “Jesse Collings. from I. Chamberlain.” The neck is fully hallmarked with a clear maker’s mark AM for Alexander Macrae, the lion passant for sterling silver, leopard’s head for London, the date letter R for 1872, and the Queen’s head duty mark. The decanter is housed in its original fitted case, lined in purple velvet with a recessed interior and retaining its original dual latches. To the inside doors, the retailer’s stamp is present in gilt lettering reading “Widdowson & Veale, Goldsmith & Jewellery, to the Court of Spain, 73 Strand London.” A well-preserved example of Victorian presentation silver, this decanter offers a combination of refined engraving and original retail casing rarely found together. About Widdowson & Veale Widdowson & Veale were prominent nineteenth century London jewellers and silversmiths, operating from 73 Strand opposite the Adelphi. The firm was founded by George Widdowson, who succeeded his uncle John Salter and developed the business into one of the leading retailers of the period. Known for supplying the British court and military, the company produced ceremonial swords, decorations and presentation silver. They were also appointed jewellers to the Court of Spain. With a strong flair for publicity, the firm gained recognition for their grand commissions, including a silver coronet gifted to the Prince of Wales at his christening in 1842. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Widdowson & Veale. About Alexander Macrae founder of the firm that went on to be C J Vander Ltd. Macrae was recorded at 32 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London September 1856. He was joined in partnership by Martin Goldstein c. 1870, whereupon the style of the firm was changed to Macrae & Goldstein – first listed in 1871 as a silversmith. Alexander Macrae supplied many of the great firms at that time such as Elkington, Harry Emanuel, Hunt & Roskell and of course Widdowson & Veale. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Alexander Macrae. Measurements Decanter 33cm High x 13cm Long x 12.5cm Wide ( 12.99 x 5.12 x 4.92 Inches) Box 40cm High x 21xm Wide x 14.5cm Deep ( 15.75 x 8.27 x 5.71 Inches) Weight 626 Grams Condition Very Good, Wear Consistent With Age. Couple of small indents to the body, one more noticeable to the top of the handle. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.