Rare American Wall Mirror by Caldwell & Co

About the Item

A rare American giltwood wall mirror by E. F. Caldwell & Co. This finely carved oval mirror embodies the Baroque Revival style, the winged ignudi and other details carved in high relief. This mirror was likely specially commissioned to accompany wall sconces of the same design made by the company, with the addition of three branches. Original mirror plate. United States, circa 1900. Notes: See the E. F. Caldwell & Co. Collection, Smithsonian Institution, C012765 to see this model catalogued as three light wall appliques. Edward F. Caldwell & Co. were America’s preeminent lighting manufacturers of the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, illuminating 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 from Latvia. In 1901 Edward F. Caldwell & Co. opened a foundry and 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.

Creator:
Edward F. Caldwell & Co. (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 44.89 in (114 cm)Width: 30.32 in (77 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
Style:
Baroque Revival (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gesso,Giltwood
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 161251stDibs: LU1603233328642
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Shop All Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

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.