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.
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
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
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Slate Mantel Clock by J.E. Caldwell
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
$18,891
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 8.27 in
Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Located in London, GB
The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). The firm was famous for its high-quality artistic bronzes, which can today be viewed in major art collections, such as the Louvre in Paris. Shaped like an upside down ‘T’, this gilt bronze...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
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
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 10cm This fine gilt bronze man...
Ormolu, Bronze
Empire Gilt Bronze Clock Mantel, circa 1800
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Empire gilt bronze clock mantel, circa 1800 The case surmounted by an Alexander the Great bust. Dial signed: "Rocquet à Paris” France.
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
$1,500
H 12.25 in W 15.5 in D 6 in
Sessions Clock Co. American Victorian Bronze Column Wooden Case Mantel Clock
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian mantel clock with an ebonized wood case and white enamel & brass clock face flanked by bronze columns topped with a red faux marble...
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
$22,025
H 20.28 in W 12.8 in D 5.91 in
Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805
By Claude Galle
Located in Lisbon, PT
An exceptional and highly collectible French Empire mantel clock attributed to the celebrated Parisian bronzier Claude Galle, dating to circa 1805. Executed in richly gilded and dark...
Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$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
$18,450
H 19.5 in W 11 in D 7.75 in
A Fine French Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, After Robert Osmond
By Vincenti et Cie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Napoleon III Period Gilt-Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, after the model by Robert Osmond. The ornate finely chased and mercury body form...
Bronze
A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI gilt bronze mantle clock . Signed by the clockmaker
Bronze
Napoleon III Gilt Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a wonderful Napoleon III ormolu mantle clock from the estate of a Los Angeles collector from around 1860. There is a zaftig little boy perched at the top of the clock, and f...
Brass
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set, circa 1870, comprising: a clock surmounted by two-handled urn with a circular dial inset with enameled numerals, with acanthus scrolls...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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
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 Stamford, CT
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
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
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