Showroom
Edward F. Caldwell & Co. made many clocks in all sorts of styles and sizes. The firm maintained a clock department staffed with specialists who assembled the decorative cases and adjusted all the clockworks which were, either imported from Switzerland or made in the United States often by Chelsea Clock Company of Chelsea, Massachusetts.
CLOCK
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1920s
GILDED BRONZE AND MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
A pair of classical Roman figures, possibly representing night and day supports the clock. The unusual base featuring turned marble balusters flanks a central plaque whose Latin inscription translates “Time Reveals All."
CLOCK
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1910-1911
GILDED BRONZE AND MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
CLOCK
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1911-1912
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
Edward F. Caldwell ordered this clock for installation in his yacht, Kestrel.
CLOCK
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1910s
GILDED AND PATINATED BRONZE AND MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
One of Caldwell’s most popular clock designs features a clock face being held up by figures on a plinth base.
TABLE
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915-1920
GILDED AND SILVERED BRONZE WITH MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Creating a piece of furniture like this required a good deal of technical skill. Clients could order the tables gilded or in a dark green “Pompeiian” finish. Pompeiian-style rooms, complete with furniture copied or adapted from ancient Roman examples, became popular in the 1900s and 1910s.
GLOBE
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1932
GILDED, PATINATED AND ENAMEL DECORATED BRONZE WITH CUT GLASS
LOAN COURTESY OF AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP (AIG), NEW YORK CITY
Created for the 1932 Architectural League Exhibition in New York City, and originally mounted on a marble base, this globe incorporates many different materials and uses various decorative and production techniques. No expense was spared on exhibition pieces. Von Lossberg usually took the lead, spending up to a year on design and production. The firm participated internationally in such exhibitions.
ACCESSORIES
Artists employed by the Edward F. Caldwell & Co. designed thousands of accessories ranging from inkstands and paperweights to page turners and letter openers. These came in all styles and finishes, a small selection is exhibited here to give an idea of what was available to customers.
OCTAGON BOX
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1925-1935
GILDED AND ENAMELED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
BOX
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1922-1923
GILDED BRONZE WITH CHAMPLEVÉ DECORATION
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
BOX
EDWARD F. CALDWELL& CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915-1925
GILDED BRONZE OR COPPER
LOAN COURTESY OF TODD FARRAND
STATUE OF BACCHUS
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1930s
PAINTED PLASTER
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
The small statue was made by Caldwell modeler Mr. Rexash. He was described as an amusing person who always kept small plaster statues like this around his work area.
FLASHLIGHT COVER
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1904-1912
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
In the Renaissance style, this clever cover encases a small flashlight. Called vest pocket lights, these small were recommended for the “housewife, jeweler, traveler, gasman or where-ever a match or candle is dangerous.”
PAGE TURNER
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.; SAMSON AND COMPANY
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK; PARIS, FRANCE, 1910-1914
GILDED BRONZE, PORCELAIN AND CELLULOID
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
PAPERWEIGHT
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1917-1918
GILDED BRONZE AND MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
This features a plaque of French King Louis XIV based upon the portrait bust by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) at the Palace of Versailles. Gilded Age barons sought a connection to European nobility by purchasing items such as this.
FOOTED DISH/TAZZA
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1910-1914
SILVER
LOAN COURTESY OF THE FARRAND FAMILY
ASHTRAY
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1917-1920
GILDED AND PATINATED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES
Sculptor and designer Oscar Hugh de Boyedon created this object. Born in Brazil, De Boyedon also lived in Germany which is where he likely met Von Lossberg. Oscar and his wife Grace traveled all over Europe and lived for a time in France.
FRAME
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1905-1910
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
Caldwell made many picture frame styles; this French neoclassical example features a photo of a young Edward F. Caldwell
CHESS SET
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1934
CHESS PIECES: POLISHED AND PAINTED ALUMINUM WITH GLASS AND CELLULOID. BOX: PINE, LEATHER & FELT
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
This chess set was made for the 1934 Architectural League Exposition in New York City. Industrial arts expositions were important events that introduced modernism to the general public. Each color represents a different style. The red pieces have a traditional look while the silver pieces are modernist or Art Deco.
INK STAND
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1920s
GILDED BRONZE AND LACQUERED WOOD WITH PAINTED IVORY & CARNELIAN
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Each lidded container holds an inkwell with bracket stands for two pens and a tray in the center for holding stamps.
INK STAND
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1914-1916
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
Based on French and Italian Renaissance designs, this inkwell features putty, garlands, and masques.
VASES
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.; SAMSON AND COMPANY
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK; PARIS, FRANCE
GILDED BRONZE MOUNTS & PORCELAIN
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
The firm imported porcelain vases like these made by the Parisian firm Samson and Company. Founded in 1845, Samson became famous for reproducing Chinese style ceramics. Once imported to the United States, Caldwell made the gilded bronze mounts.
BOOKENDS
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1917-1920
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE CALDWELL FAMILY
TABLE LAMPS
Table lamps were one of the mainstays of Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Clients could choose from thousands of designs contained in ten binder books. If a customer could not find something appealing, they could commission a new design, or customize one already existing. The lamps here are exhibited with their corresponding photo from the design books. Caldwell photographed most lamps with shades to help suggest design options.
TABLE LAMP
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1911-1915
GILDED BRONZE & TINTED MARBLE
LOANED COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Caldwell likely imported the marble parts of this lamp from Italy. The design books illustrate various imported marble and other stone parts for use on lamps.
TABLE LAMP
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1902-1915
PATINATED BRONZE
LOANED COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
This was one of Caldwell’s most popular table lamp styles. The parts were easily reproduced using the Galvano process. Financier John Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) ordered this model for his private study in what is now The Morgan Library & Museum, in New York City, where visitors can still see it in its original location.
PAIR OF TABLE LAMPS
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915-1920
GILDED AND PATINATED BRONZE WITH TINTED MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
One of Caldwell’s most elaborate table lamps depicts the mythological Greek god of the sea Poseidon and his wife, Amphitrite. Though the marble turtles can be seen on other Caldwell fixtures, photographs of these lamps are not present in the surviving design books.
TABLE LAMP
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1909-1919
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
GIRANDOLE
GAGNEAU
PARIS, FRANCE, 1900-1930
GILDED BRONZE & CUT GLASS
LOANED COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Von Lossberg imported lighting fixtures like this. Many imported items in the order books are noted as being by Gagneau. Founded in 1800, the Parisian firm made high-quality lighting. Like Caldwell, Gagneau excelled in adapting electricity to historic designs.
CANDELABRA
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1913-1915
GILDED BRONZE
LOANED COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
This candelabra is an example of how Caldwell copied items made by others. The Galvano process allowed for exact, high-quality replication.
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GIRANDOLE
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915-1925
GILDED BRONZE & CUT GLASS
LOANED COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Girandoles like these became popular during the 1920s when they began showing up with some regularity in the design books. Though Caldwell made the bronze frame, the cut glass is likely Czechoslovakian.
ELECTRICITY
Since its beginnings, E.F. Caldwell & Co. embraced new electrical technology. Electricity allowed for the best adaptation of elaborate historic styles because thin wires could be inserted into hollow areas of all shapes. They patented clever
electric switches used to operate some of their fixtures.
TORCHIERE
SPAIN, PARTLY 18TH CENTURY
GILDED AND POLYCHROME DECORATED WOOD
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINATI
The Andersons acquired this standard and its pair from the Sonora News Co. of Mexico City in 1902 and had Caldwell make the surmounting lantern. Caldwell's work can be distinguished by the darker finish of the lantern.
FLOOR LAMP
E. F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1914
PATINATED & GILDED BRONZE & IRONWITH PERIOD SILK SHADE
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
The stem of this lamp appears to be made from wrought iron, but it is really patinated bronze. Originally one of a pair, this example came from Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio. Caldwell made most of the lighting for the Tudor-style mansion owned by the Seiberling family.
FLOOR LAMP A27765 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
The large bobeche, or drip pan, has been drawn on the picture in ink just above the leaf fronds likely because the client desired changes.
FLOOR LAMP
E. F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915
PEWTER & GILDED BRONZE, BRASS & WROUGHT IRON WITH A PERIOD SILK SHADE
LOAN COURTESY OF SEIDENBERG ANTIQUES, NEW YORK CITY
The base, featuring classical masques, as well as the floral parts were likely made using the Galvano process. The leaves are stamped sheet brass. Caldwell often used dull pewter as a muted alternative to polished silver.
FLOOR LAMP A31049 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
PINE SHOWROOM AT EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO., 38 WEST 15TH STREET
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
A view of the "Pine" showroom during the 1920s. A vast array of lighting fixtures could be viewed by clients in this room. Other showrooms can be seen through the door.
CHANDELIER
E.F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1896-1899
BRIONZE AND CUT GLASS
LOAN COURTESY OF MILTON'S CHANDELIERS
This massive chandelier represents the earliest production of Edward F. Caldwell & Co. At this early date, Caldwell had already mastered casting and chasing techniques. The firm featured many unusual designs. This example incorporates ancient Roman and Italian baroque motifs.
BAROQUES CARTOUCHE DESIGNS FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
The masque cartouches forming the chandelier panels were adapted from Italian baroque engravings.
CHANDELIER C4405 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
Photo of the chandelier taken before shipment to the client. Slight variations can be seen in the glass shade holders and cut-glass beadwork panels. These differences show that another client ordered this model and had the firm make minor modifications.
LANTERN
E.F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1915
GILDED, PATENTED & ENAMELED BRONZE & GLASS
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Likely intended for an entrance hall, this lantern is in the French renaissance style having sculpted female figures called caryatids, grotesque masques, and C scrolls. The sculptural elements like those found on this lantern were often created using the Galvano process. This lantern could be ordered in a variety of sizes.
LANTERN A32495 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
A photo of the lantern taken after production. Although details closely match, it is difficult to determine if this picture shows the actual example exhibited here.
SCONCE
E.F. CALWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1917-1918
GILDED BRONZE & CUT GLASS
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Originally part of a set of six sconces, this standard design in the French rococo style could be easily changed to fit a client's requirements.
SCONCE A40873 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
This post-production photograph shows how easily the design of this sconce could be changed. Look carefully and see if you can spot the small changes in the overall look.
SCONCE
E.F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1903-1910
GILDED BRONZE & CUT GLASS
LOAN COURTESY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTION
In the French classical style of the 1780s, this sconce originally comprised of a set of six. Although the original owner is unknown, its monumental size suggests placement in a large room like a ballroom or dining room. The original gilded finish features both burnished and matte surfaces.
SCONCE C14651 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOKS
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
Caldwell designers used parts interchangeably as illustrated in this photo. This backplate, featuring drapery and tassels suspended from a cloak pin with intertwining holly garlands, can also be found on the sconce exhibited here.
