J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
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.
Late 19th Century American Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Silver
Late 19th Century Italian Gothic Revival Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Other Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Silver, Bronze
Late 19th Century American Chinoiserie Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Wood
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Bronze
1880s French Empire Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Brass, Bronze
1880s French Rococo Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Bronze
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Silver
Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Silver Plate
1860s French Napoleon III Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Mirrors
Bronze
