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.
Gilt and Patinated Bronze Lamp by WM H. Jackson Company
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality gilt and patinated table or desk lamp. Elements include oval rosettes on the flat panels of a three sided base. Each corner with lion masks and acanthus leaves and two h...
Bronze
Large Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Lamp by E. F. Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
A very large and impressive neoclassical bronze table lamp attributed to E. F. Caldwell and Co, New York City. Very finely hand chased and chiseled gilt bronze in the neoclassical ta...
Bronze
$2,132
H 27.96 in W 10.63 in D 6.7 in
Antique Gilt Bronze Renaissance Revival Table Lamp, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a truly superb large French antique Renaissance Revival ormolu table lamp, circa 1870 in date. It is relief cast with grapevines, cherubs and acanthus leaves, the serpentine handle rising to a seated winged amorini and descending to a mask at the figural relief cast body with waisted stem and terminating in a circular base. This gilt bronze 19th century ewer...
Ormolu
$17,500
H 27.5 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Neo-Classical Style Patinated Bronze Lamp, E.F. Caldwell, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Inscribed E.F. Caldwell & co. Inc New York.
Bronze
$9,800
H 32 in W 8 in D 6 in
American 19th Century Dore Bronze Candlestick Table Lamp, E. F. Caldwell & Co
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic 19th century Caldwell Louis XVI style dore bronze candlestick lamp. Beautifully hand-chassed, hand-chiseled with two-tone matte and burnished gold, this lamp is perfect t...
Bronze
$480
H 16.75 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Antique French Doré Bronze Neoclassical Ormolu Gilt Electric Table Lamp
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Fine and Imposing French Heavy Gauge Neoclassical Ormolu Vase now converted to a single Electric Table Lamp of tall proportions and of outstanding quality, third quarter of the Ninet...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Bronze Candelabra Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI style (19th Century) 3 arm candelabra with a column over a triangular base with claw feet now wired as a lamp. Ships without a shade
Bronze
$2,750
H 26.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
French Empire-Style Bronze Column Table Lamp with Gilt Detailing, Circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire-style table lamp began its life circa 1840 as a finely cast bronze column, likely part of a decorative candlestick, architectural mount, or garniture element. Now ...
Bronze
Fine Caldwell Carved and Cast Marble & Bronze Lamp
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Fine Caldwell Carved Marble & Bronze Lamp with Gilded Cherub heads and a carved marble base raised on bronze bun feet. Edward F. Caldwell & Co., of New York City, was one of the p...
Marble, Bronze
Wonderful Brushed Nickel Gilt Bronze Caldwell Neoclassical Regency Paw Foot Lamp
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Brushed Silver and Gilt Bronze Swag Neoclassical / Regency Paw Foot Lamp In The Manner Of E.F. Caldwell With Wreath Finial, Rewired And Ready To...
Bronze, Nickel
E. F. Caldwell Giltwood, Marble and Bronze Neoclassical Lamp
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This Caldwell lamp features Classical motifs, including acanthus leaves and urns on a tripod sphinx form base.
Marble, Bronze
Carved Marble and Gilt Bronze Louis XV Style Lamp Att. to E.F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This gilt bronze and carved marble lamp is attributed to the renown firm of Edward F. Caldwell. The gilt bronze mounts are finely detailed, and feature acanthus and shell motifs.
Carrara Marble
Silvered Bronze Arts & Crafts Table Lamp
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome hand-hammered and cast bronze table lamp features foliate motifs, and a pierced floral base.
Marble, Bronze
E. F. Caldwell Patinated Bronze and Silver Plated Table Lamp
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This signed E. F. Caldwell Old English style patinated bronze and silver plated three light standard has pierced and repousse' decoration in a hunt motif. The silver details are ext...
Metal, Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Figural Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality lamp base features a gilt classical frieze, and a patinated bronze figure of a classical maiden.
Marble, Bronze
Silvered Bronze Neo-Classical Style Table Lamp Att. to Edward F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely cast bronze table lamp features Classical motifs including acanthus leaves. The tapering fluted columnar shaft rests on a triangular plinth base with hairy paw feet.
Bronze
