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.
"Caldwell Clock w/ Siena Marble and Caryatids", Lorillard Estate, Tuxedo Park
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extraordinary work of art by America's leading maker of luxe objects for homes and businesses in the early 20th century, this large and heavy Siena marble clock by J. E. Caldwell ...
Marble, Bronze
Fine American Gilt Bronze Standing Clock by Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Antique chased Ormolu clock case ornamented with hand pierced all over foliate pattern scrollwork, achieved through repousse and engraving, enclosing a p...
Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Enamel Figural Mantel Clock and Candelabras
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Champleve Enamel Mantel Clock retailed by J.E. Caldwell & Co paired Champlevé and Gilt-bronze Five-light Candelabras A black and maroon enamel ornamente...
Bronze, Enamel
J.E.Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Desk Clock circa 1930s with Engraved Dial
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.E.Caldwell, Philadelphia STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Finish CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 8 Inch Square MOVEMENT / CA...
Nickel
French Gilt Bronze and Black Slate Mantel Clock
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Astoria, NY
French Gilt Bronze and Black Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock, retailed by J.E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia, early 20th century, the arched case in the French Empire style...
Slate, Bronze
J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Deco Asian Themed Enameled Pocket 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...
Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Bronze Clock
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage Tiffany & Co. French bronze clock dates from the late 19th century (1896). It is elaborately designed in the style of Louis XV & exhibits a m...
Bronze, Enamel
Omega, a Wood and Enamel Art Deco Eight Day Desk Clock
By Omega
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Omega. A wood and enamel Art Deco eight day desk clock Singed Omega. Polished wooden case, two polychrome enamel panels with floral and geometric motif, gilt case back, dial signed. Very good conditions. Working conditions. It just been cleaned. Rare example of these Art Deco Enamel Clocks...
Brass, Enamel
$4,500
H 6 in W 3.5 in D 2.5 in
Bronze and Lapis Lazuli Figural Table Clock, E.F. Caldwell, Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Seated angel/cupid seated and holding the clock on its back.
Bronze
$1,704
H 4.73 in W 9.45 in D 1.7 in
A Large Art Dec Chrome 8 Day Desk Clock With Temperature Gauge On A Stand 1930s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Large Art Deco ABEC Chrome 8 Day Working Desk Clock With Temperature Gauge On A Fold-Out Stand. With bevelled glass giving way to the painted dial with Roman numerals. Beautiful...
Chrome
Renaissance Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Renaissance style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock French, late 19th century Measures: Height 53cm, width 28cm, depth 23cm This exquisite mantel clock is crafted in the idios...
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
$2,475
H 11.25 in W 8.75 in D 3.75 in
Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mantlepiece Clock by Sterling Bronze Co.
By Sterling Bronze Co.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mantlepiece Clock by Sterling Bronze Co. originates from the United States, Circa 1900. This clock is a fine example of Neoclassical design, fe...
Bronze
Magnificent Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze and marble clock featuring a lion. Marble case, ornate face with enameled Roman numerals. France, circa 1880 Dime...
Marble, Bronze
Fine Louis XV Period Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock by Gilles L'aine
By Gilles Laine
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare Louis XV period wall clock "cartel d'applique " , finely cast and chiseled , beautiful mercury gliding , the enameled dial with roman numerals , signed GILLE LAINÉ À PARIS - Gilles Lainé ( Pierre Francois Gille ) , dit "L'AINÉ", master clock...
Bronze
Art Deco French Enameled Silver Desk Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enameled silver desk clock is unsigned, so a specific maker cannot be identified, but the case was made in France, and the movement in Switzerland in the period and style of Art Deco. The silver content of the case has not been tested, but is believed to be Continental or .800 or just under .925 sterling, The front of the clock is ornately enameled with raised bright red flowers on each corner with contrasting black and red geometric panels with green accents, which are duplicated on the sides. The hinged back opens to gain access to the winding mechanism and the high grade Swiss movement has been professionally serviced and works well. Although barely visible, the clock is stamped on the bottom with a French...
Silver, Brass
$886
H 4.73 in W 6.5 in D 2.37 in
Art Deco Bakelite Skyscraper Alarm Clock by Japy of France, circa 1930
By Japy
Located in Devon, England
Superb iconic design comes by way of this Art Deco bakelite alarm clock by the French clock makers Japy. Very desirable and rare model bakelite cas...
Glass, Bakelite
$1,687Sale Price|25% Off
H 7.26 in W 9.82 in D 2.15 in
JAZ Paris 1930 Art Deco Geometric 8 Days Glass Desk Clock in Stainless Steel
By Jaz
Located in Miami, FL
A desk clock designed by Jaz Paris. A beautiful and very handsome desk clock, created in Paris France by the the clock company of Jaz during the art deco period, back in the early 1930. This very decorative piece is very hard to find has been designed with geometric art deco patterns and assembled from an octagonal beveled cranberry glass and stainless steel steeped mountings. Deceptively weighty time piece showing the quality that one expects from this maker. Movement: French mechanical wingding Jaz movement, Eleven Jewels, 8 days. The dial is round with metallic cranberry color, Arabic silver...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Art Deco Stylish Desk Clock With 8 Day Movement , English, c1930s
Located in Devon, England
A fully restored Art Deco Style desk clock in full working condition. The movement is made by Mauthe and has been fully disassembled, cleaned and reassembled back into working condit...
Brass, Chrome
J.E. Caldwell Bronze & Porcelain Clock Set, 3
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Astoria, NY
J. E. Caldwell and Company Bronze and Porcelain Clock and Garniture Three-Piece Set, 19th century, comprising: circular vase form clock with painted porcelain flowers atop a white po...
Bronze
J. E. Caldwell Art Deco Desk Clock Gilt Brass and Enamel, 1930's
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
Factory / house: J. E. Caldwell Style / reference: Art Deco Metal / material: gilded finish with kiln fired enamel inlay Circa / year: 1930's Dimensions / size: 4 inche x 4 inch x 2 ...
Enamel
Sold
H 66 in W 14.75 in D 9 in
Antique Diminutive German Caldwell & Co. Mahogany Grandmother's Clock, c1900
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique grandmother's clock by J.E. Caldwell & Co. offers diminutive form with mahogany case with domed hood having moon phase dial over face with foliate cast filigree decoration...
Metal
Sold
H 8.5 in W 13 in D 20.875 in
19th Century Gothic Style J.E. Caldwell Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture Set
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Manhasset, NY
A simply stunning Gothic Style J.E. Caldwell (1882) gilt bronze clock garniture set. A finely cast bronze clock with a pair of matching candelabra each 24 inches tall having five arms and the pair retaining their original snuffers. James Emmett Caldwell (1813-1881) apprenticed to Peter B...
Bronze
Sold
H 25.5 in W 18.25 in D 8.625 in
J.E. Caldwell Bronze Louis XVI Style Three-Piece Garniture Clock Set, Palatial
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century J E Caldwell & Company three-piece Garniture clock set. Pair of candlesticks is large and impressive. Signed and Dated 1882. This fine heavy bronze mounted clock set wit...
Bronze
Sold
H 8.5 in W 13 in D 20.875 in
19th Century Gothic Style J.E. Caldwell Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture Set
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Manhasset, NY
A simply stunning Gothic Style J.E. Caldwell (1882) gilt bronze clock garniture set. A finely cast bronze clock with a pair of matching candelabra each 24 inches tall having five arms and the pair retaining their original snuffers. James Emmett Caldwell (1813-1881) apprenticed to Peter B...
Bronze
Sold
H 32 in W 8.5 in D 3 in
Federal Style Seascape & Patriotic Mahogany Banjo Clock by J. E. Caldwell & Co.
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
Federal style patriotic banjo wall clock features mahogany case with hand painted glass panels of seascape, central shield and eagle, signed on face J...
Mahogany, Glass
Egyptian Revival Clock Garniture
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Egyptian Revival clock garniture by J. E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia is almost identical to the set that is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Composed of a clock and two obelisks, this garniture is crafted of bronze and rare Breccia and Siena marbles in the form of Egyptian monuments...
Breccia Marble, Siena Marble, Bronze
Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Table Clock
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This luxurious and rare table clock is the essence of Art Deco style. Retailed at the renowned J. E. Caldwell & Co., this exceptional timepiece is comprised of a French clock movement...
Enamel
Sold
H 19 in W 17.75 in D 8 in
J.E. Caldwell Black Slate Mantel Clock under Bronze Sculpture of Cartographer
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Shippensburg, PA
This fine mantel clock was retailed by J.E. Caldwell of Philadelphia at the turn of the century, the powerful and angular case crafted of pure black slate with red stone inlays and r...
Marble, Slate, Brass, Bronze
Marble and Doré Bronze Mantel Clock
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning mantel clock by J. E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia exudes tasteful elegance. Crafted of luxurious marble in the French Louis XVI-style, this stunning timepiece boasts...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 23.75 in W 13.75 in D 6 in
Unusual Chinoiserie Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock by J.E. Caldwell & Co
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Fine Chinoiserie Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock by J.E. Caldwell & Co. Stock Number: CC33