J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
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.
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Nickel
1910s American Edwardian Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Agate, Onyx, Sterling Silver, Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century British Victorian J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century English Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century American Edwardian J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1930s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Brass, Chrome
1930s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Silver, Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Glass, Wood
