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.
Set of Four Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This set of four sconces by the renown firm of E. F. Caldwell are pictured in the Caldwell archives at the Smithsonian. They were originally made for "Shadow Lawn" (Henry Edward Creg...
Bronze
Set of Four Gilt Bronze Louis XVI Style Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality set of four sconces are in the Louis XVI style, and are by the renowned firm of Edward F Caldwell. They feature neoclassical motifs including acanthus leaves, tasse...
Bronze
Pair Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fantastic quality pair of signed Louis XVI style gilt bronze sconces are by the renown marker Edward F. Caldwell. They feature Neo-Classical motifs including acanthus leaves, bo...
Ormolu
Pair Gilt Bronze Early Georgian Style Sconces Attributed to E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of gilt bronze sconces are attributed to the renown firm of E. F. Caldwell. The original gilding is in excellent condition, The sconces have been newly rewired, an...
Bronze
Pair of E.F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze Early Georgian Style Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of Old English style Caldwell sconces are finely detailed, and have a mellow gilt finish. Originally from the library of "Goodwood", the Sewickley PA home of H.J. ...
Bronze
Pair Gilt Bronze Federal Style Neo-Classical Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of gilt bronze sconces feature Classical motifs including acanthus leaves, swags and tassels. They are in excellent condition, retaining their original gilding, an...
Bronze
