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.
Art Deco Brass And Enamel Clock, English, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this superb Art Deco Copper And Enamel Clock, c1930. Made from solid brass with a patterned border which is filled with green black and white enamel. Full w...
Brass, Enamel
Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Art Deco style is beautifully executed in this enchanting desk clock by J.E. Caldwell. The gilded dial, beautifully enameled in midnight blue and celadon green, sports four perfect apples in relief at its corners, and is framed by a luxurious plaque of amber-hued onyx. Venerable American jeweler J. E. Caldwell & Co. from Philadelphia is known for its Art Nouveau and Deco jewels. One of the oldest fine jewelers in the United States, the company was founded in 1839 by James Emmott Caldwell and supplied wealthy Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art. The store itself was a study in opulence, with hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers and French Regency-style oak cabinetry designed by Horace Trumbauer...
Onyx, Enamel
$895
H 3.625 in W 3.5 in D 0.125 in
Swiss Art Deco Enamel-Border 8-Day Desk Clock, c. 1925–1935 *Luminescence*
By Cartier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined small-format Art Deco desk clock with an unmistakably Swiss 8-day movement, presented in a square gilt-bronze case with a fold-out strut back. The front is framed by a cris...
Bronze, Enamel
J.W. Benson Gilt Art Deco Clock with Hand Painted Dial, circa 1920s
By J.W. Benson
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W. Benson Jewelers to STYLE / REFERENCE: Desk METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt and Brass CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE...
J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled 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...
Art Deco Brass & Mirrored Electric Clock, England, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this rather stylish Art Deco electric clock , British made and dating to the 1930's. The dial is made up from clear ...
Brass
1930s Shreve and Company Art Deco Desk Clock
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Shreve and Company San Francisco STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Glass, Gilt and Nickel METAL / MATERIAL: CIRCA / YEAR: D...
Gilt Metal, Mixed Metal
Cartier European Watch & Clock Co. Gilded Art Deco Chiming Desk Clock 1930's
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: European Clock & Watch Co. / Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Chiming Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Brass and Bronze with Beve...
$525
H 3.15 in W 4.73 in D 1.97 in
Art Deco Chrome 8 Day Desk Clock With Mauthe Movement, Fully Serviced. c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this fully restored Art Deco desk clock now in full working condition. The movement is made by Mauthe and has been fully disassembled, cleaned and reassembl...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Chrome Mantel Clock by Davall, England
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco chrome mantel clock standing bon double stepped pad feet in a square case with bevelled glass. Black velvet dial mask, silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals and or...
Chrome
Tiffany & Co. by Charles Hour Brass and Gilt Art Deco Clock, 1920s
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. by Charles Hour STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Desk or Mantle Clock METAL / MATERIAL: CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS: Length 10 inch (25cm) X Width 10 inch (25...
Brass
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
J.W. Benson Gilt Art Deco Clock with Hand Painted Dial, circa 1920s
By J.W. Benson
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W. Benson Jewelers to STYLE / REFERENCE: Desk METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt and Brass CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3 X Diameter 3 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Bone with Gilt Minute Chapter / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Art Deco Octagon Clock...
Brass
Shreve & Co. Mixed Metal Art Deco Table Clock, circa 1930's
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Shreve & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Table Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Nickle Brass Gilded Metal CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENTIONS / SIZE: 5 x 4 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / 8 Days DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Dial with Applied Breguet Numerals...
Brass, Nickel
1930s Shreve and Company Art Deco Desk Clock
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Shreve and Company San Francisco STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Glass, Gilt and Nickel MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 15 Jewels DIA...
Bronze
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco French Made Hammered Brass and Gilt Desk Clock, 1930s
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Brass CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 11" wide X 16" tall MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding...
Brass
