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J.E. Caldwell & Co. Pocket Watches

American

With intricate and refined artistry, the jewelers at J.E.Caldwell & Co. have been handcrafting illustrious watches and adornments — including cocktail rings, engagement rings and link bracelets — for nearly two centuries. The American firm, which is among the oldest silver and jewelry companies in the United States, has found acclaim with collectors and buyers worldwide.

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, J.E. Caldwell & Co. founder James Emmott Caldwell (1813–81) apprenticed as a silversmith and subsequently trained in watchmaking under the esteemed watchmaker Samuel Ward Benedict in New York City. Following his apprenticeships, Caldwell sought work in Philadelphia, initially securing a position with a wholesale jeweler before importing watches for a jewelry manufacturer. In the late 1830s, he established a storefront of his own, in a stately marble building on Chestnut street. Caldwell partnered with James M. Bennett thereafter in order to launch a jewelry shop nearby that they called Bennett & Caldwell. With the passing of Bennett, Caldwell partnered with a former employer, John C. Farr, and changed the company name, establishing the J.E. Caldwell & Co. of today.

In 1876, Philadelphia hosted the first World’s Fair held in the United States. Alongside the Gorham Manufacturing Company — a legendary but largely overlooked American silver firm — J.E. Caldwell showcased an array of stunning jewelry and silver objects at the event’s Centennial International Exhibition. In the early 1900s, J.E. Caldwell was contracted to fashion a presentation silver tea service — more than 160 pieces — for a newly commissioned battleship, the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. The brand’s exquisite silver wares traveled at sea aboard this battleship — and later, on the U.S.S. Valley Forge — for decades.

J.E. Caldwell & Co. became known for exquisite Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry. Ownership of the firm passed through the family over the years before changing hands to business interests outside of the family. Today a J.E. Caldwell & Co. retail location continues to operate in Philadelphia.

Find antique and vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.

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Creator: J.E. Caldwell & Co.
J.E Caldwaell & Co. Nickel Silver Oversized Pocket Watch with Enamel Dial
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J. E. Caldwell of Philadelphia STYLE / REFERENCE: Oversized Pocket Watch or Travel Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Silver or German Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 65mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Kiln Fired Enamel / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is great looking oversized pocket watch sometimes called a coach watch...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Pocket Watches

J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled Desk Clock circa 1930's
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Mimo for J. E. Caldwell STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Pocket Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Yellow Gold and Kiln Fired Enamel CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Pocket Watches

1950s J.E. Caldwell & Co. 14K Yellow Gold & Enamel Money Clip and Watch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring circa 1950s, 14K yellow gold and enamel money clip and watch that was gifted in 1956 as a famed RCA Victor (later, RCA Records) Award of Merit to an RCA sound engineer. It features the company’s iconic vintage “Nipper...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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J.e. Caldwell & Co. pocket watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of J.E. Caldwell & Co. pocket watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using yellow gold. We have 3 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider pocket watches by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Movado, and Longines. Prices for J.E. Caldwell & Co. pocket watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,900 and tops out at $4,890, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $3,500.

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