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.
Antique American King Sterling Silver Fish Slice with Aesthetic Blade
By J.E. Caldwell & Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
American sterling silver fish slice, ca 1890. Stem in King, the historic Georgian shell pattern; scrolled and shaped butler-finished blade engraved with stylized leafing scrolls, flo...
Sterling Silver
John Wendt Sterling Ram’s Head Handle Brite Cut Ice Cream Slice or Server
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver ice cream slice or server. Made by John Wendt and retailed by J.E. Caldwell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With brite cut floral decoration to the bowl and a ...
Sterling Silver
$20 / item
H 0.75 in W 6 in D 1.25 in
Seven Aesthetic Silver Plate Teaspoons by Holmes & Edwards; sold individually
By Holmes & Edwards
Located in Malibu, CA
Seven Vintage Teaspoons by Holmes & Edwards in the Pageant pattern. Light surface wear, soft silver patina.
Silver Plate
$1,952 / set
H 3.71 in W 2.05 in D 2.84 in
Tiffany & Co. Antique Pair of American Sterling Silver Kitchen Peppers
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique sterling silver kitchen peppers by Tiffany & Co; an addition to our silver cruet and condiments collection. These exceptional American sterling silver kitchen antique peppers...
Silver, Sterling Silver
George III Old English Pattern Fish Slice
Located in London, GB
A George III old English pattern fish slice London.
Silver
$18,000 / set
H 0.5 in Dm 10.38 in
Lenox Aesthetic Movement Dinner Service W/ "Prunus" Sterling Silver Gilt Overlay
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This amazing service for 12 was made by Ceramic Art Company/ Lenox ca. 1890 and features sterling silver with a gold wash overlay in an iconic "Japonesque"...
Porcelain
$4,726 / set
H 8.1 in Dm 1 in
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Antique Sterling Silver Fish Service for Six
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver Old English pattern fish cutlery set for six persons made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd; an addition to our dining silverware collection. This fine antique George V sterling silver fish flatware...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,050 / set
H 1.5 in W 2.25 in D 14.5 in
Sheffield English Stag Antler Handled, Sterling Silver Capped Table Servers, S/3
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A three piece serving set with Stag Antler handles and Sterling Silver ferrules and end caps, Sheffield, England, circa mid 20th Century. Impressively sized, the set consists of a scalloped bowl spoon, and a spoon and fork of a similar pattern, perfect for salads. A beautifully made set, heavy and substantial. The naturally shed antler handles are securely attached to the Stainless Steel spoons and fork with ornate Sterling ferrules and end caps. The end caps are 1.5 in. in Diameter – Stamped 925 for Sterling Silver Scalloped spoon...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
$575 / set
H 1 in W 14 in D 2 in
Antique Sheffield Silver-Plate Fork & Knife Servers with Horn Handles Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Sheffield Silver-Plate Fork & Knife Servers with Horn Handles, Circa 1880.
Sheffield Plate
$1,150
H 2.5 in W 12 in D 2.5 in
Victorian Large Sterling Silver Ice Cream Slicer/Server, Wave Edge by Tiffany
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Large, sterling silver ice cream slicer/server. Tiffany and Co., New York, circa 1890s, Wave Edge pattern. Measures 12 inches long x 2 1/2 inches wide (at widest point) x 2 1/2 inche...
Sterling Silver
WT Copeland 19 C Aesthetic Movement Creamware Fish Set
By W. T. Copeland
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This complete and unusually decorated fish service is painted in the Aesthetic Movement style with all over polychrome enamel. The 12 plates each depict an aquatic scene including a ...
$5,987 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
King Edward by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 8 Set 34 Pcs Vermeil
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
King Edward by Gorham sterling silver flatware service Vermeil - Completely gold-washed set of 34 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner size knives, 9 5/8...
Sterling Silver
$4,000 / set
H 5.75 in W 1.25 in D 0.25 in
Set of 11 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Ice Cream Spoons
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Lap Over Edge sterling silver ice cream spoons. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Shaped oval bowl with side gadroons. Shaped stem with acid-etched motifs, including spide...
Sterling Silver
$4,975 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
King Edward by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 44 Pcs Place Size
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
King Edward by Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 44 pieces. This set includes: Eight place size knives, 9 1/8", eight place size forks, 7 1/2", eight place size salad forks, 6...
Sterling Silver
$7,749 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
King Edward by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 58 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental King Edward by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 58 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7" 12 salad forks, 6 1/8" 12 teaspoons, 6" 1 gravy ladle, 6...
Sterling Silver
Antique Ice Cream Set, Sterling Silver & Brass, Art Deco, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Precious ice cream set is a set of dessert cutlery realized in 19th century. Sterling silver and brass. The lot consist in six antique little spoon and a big one for serving ice cream. Dimension: Little spoon: 16.5 x 3.5 cm Big spoon...
Sterling Silver, Brass
$9,202 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
King Edward by Gorham Gold Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 42 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
King Edward Gold by Gorham sterling silver Vermeil dinner size flatware set - 42 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner size knives, 9 5/8", eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4", eig...
Sterling Silver
American Porcelain/Gilt Braid Decorated By Lenox for J.E Caldwell Dinner Set
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite American Porcelain/Gilt Braid Dinnerware Service, crafted by Lenox for J.E. Caldwell & Co. This stunning set includes everything yo...
Gold
Antique Cocktail Glasses
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Set of 10 Silver Plated and Crystal Cocktail Glasses Signed J. E. Caldwell Company Circa 1880s " Rooster" Design
Crystal, Sterling Silver