Edward F. Caldwell & Co. was among America’s preeminent lighting manufacturers of the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, illuminating the halls and ceilings of some of the most notable buildings in the United States. In addition to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and the White House in Washington, D.C., the company’s masterful light fixtures also adorn the homes of some historically prominent figures, such as J.P. Morgan and Phillip Lehman.
The firm was founded in 1895 by American Edward F. Caldwell and Victor F. von Lossberg, a Latvia native who was raised in Russia. The founders became acquainted while working at Archer & Pancoast Manufacturing Company of New York, which produced gas lighting fixtures.
In 1901 Edward F. Caldwell & Co. opened a foundry, where the owners and the lighting artisans they recruited could explore a range of metalworking techniques and design styles. Caldwell and von Lossberg quickly rose to the top of the electric light manufacturing business with their shared vision, choosing to deliver quality elegant fixtures that frequently drew on historic European designs. The firm produced magnificent lighting pieces, as well as finely crafted decorative objects and mirrors. Their neoclassical designs borrowed heavily from Baroque and Rococo styles — Edward F. Caldwell & Co. also devised Art Deco fixtures during the 1920s — and favored bronze, silver, iron, copper and brass as their primary materials.
With construction on the rise in New York in the early 1900s, not many outfits could take on large-scale lighting contracts. With over 1,000 employees, Edward F. Caldwell & Co. could take on heavy commissions.
After Caldwell died in 1914, von Lossberg carried the company until he died in 1942. Edward F. Caldwell & Co. closed its doors owing to financial troubles in 1959.
Today manufacturer’s work can be seen all across New York City — including at the Bank of Manhattan and the famous Waldorf Astoria hotel — and Edward F. Caldwell & Co. creations are highly sought after by lighting and decor enthusiasts.
On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Edward F. Caldwell & Co. table lamps, chandeliers and pendants, sconces and floor lamps.
| Average Sold Price |
| $5,579 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Large Ormolu and Crystal Empire Style Chandelier by Edward F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fabulous gilt bronze fixture is by the renowned firm of Edward F.Caldwell. It features Empire motifs including acanthus leave, foliate wreaths and pine cone finials.
Ormolu
Brown Patinated Bronze Pendant by Edward F. Caldwell, 1900
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
1900 Caldwell brown patinated bronze and glass pendant with 4 interior lights (newly UL rewired)
Bronze
$15,000
H 13.63 in W 11 in D 1 in
Edward F. Caldwell Gothic Style Jeweled Champleve Enamel Antique Folio Cover
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A very rare, fine large Edward F. Caldwell jeweled champleve enamel folio cover in the High Gothic Style. The central panel depicting a King on a white horse holding a large orb with a snake symbol, surrounded by exquisitely detailed Gothic heraldic elements and jeweled embellishments. Burgundy velvet lined interior, retaining original leather backing and spine, wear commensurate with age, ideal for a museum or private collection. Measurements: 13.63 inches high, 11 inches wide, 1 inch deep Condition: the enamel panel is in excellent condition, age appropriate wear to velvet, leather and interior pages. Please note, the enamel panel may be removed and mounted on a modern folio if desired. This piece may be framed or displayed as a decorative panel on a stand Edward F. Caldwell & Co was established in 1895 in New York City at 31 East 17th Street and quickly became one of the premier designers and manufacturers of fine lighting and decorative objects. Their commissions included J.P. Morgan's residence, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Vanderbilt Mansion, Henry Clay Frick residence, Harvard Club...
Enamel
1900 Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces with 3 Lights
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1900 Caldwell gilt bronze 3 lights sconces, unusual backplate
Bronze
1900 Caldwell’s Leaded Glass Light Fixture
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Caldwell beautiful leaded glass light fixture with interior lights.
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Flush Mount with Opaline Glass
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze flush mounted light fixture with Opaline glass inset. From Waldorf Hotel NYC.
Bronze
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with scalloped backplate
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Large Gilt Bronze Lantern
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell large gilt bronze lantern. Original finish, with 4 lights
Bronze
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $5,579 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $730-$30,000 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
Jacob & Co. is considered expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, the watch collectors of the world know the watchmaker for its multicolored-gemstone designs as well as its oversized and innovative complications. There are substantial costs related to the design, assembly and premium materials associated with Jacob & Co.’s luxury watches, which are painstakingly crafted in Switzerland and sold all over the world. The price tag reflects the brand’s use of meticulously sourced round brilliant cut diamonds and metals such as 18-karat gold. Additionally, only a limited number of timepieces leave the watchmaker's workshops each year, so demand usually far exceeds supply. Find Jacob & Co. watches for sale on 1stDibs.