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.
1900’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Engraved Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900’s Caldwell silver plated bronze sconces with unusual engraving on back plate. From Waldorf Hotel in NYC. Available in bronze and silver plated
Bronze
1920's Neoclassic Caldwell Gilt Bronze sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze sconces with neoclassic design and two lights
Bronze
1920 Caldwell Gild Bronze Sconces 3 Lights Louis XVI Style
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 pair of gilt bronze sconces by Caldwell with ram’s heads atop and flowers on the body. 3 lights sconces, newly UL rewired
Bronze
1900 Large Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces 3 Lights
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1900 Caldwell three lights gilt bronze sconces with unusual size and design with shells and flowers
Bronze
1900's Caldwell Neoclassic Gilt Bronze and Mirror Sconces 3 Lights
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large 1900's neoclassic style gilt bronze Caldwell sconces with beveled mirror backplate, 3 lights
Bronze
1900 Neoclassic Caldwell Gilt Bronze 3 Lights Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
1900’s Caldwell neoclassical style gilt bronze sconces with 3 lights
Bronze
A Pair of E.F. Caldwell Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Two-Arm Wall Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Two Arm Wall Sconces by E.F. Caldwell, New York This pair of wall sconces is formed with oval gilt bronze backplates centered by raised foliate bo...
Bronze
Fine Pair of Caldwell & Co Gilt Bronze Two Light Wall Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Milford, NH
A fine pair of gilt bronze electrified two light wall sconces on decorative oval wall mounts, with the Caldwell & Co diamond C maker’s mark stamped on verso backing. Edward F. Caldwe...
Bronze
Pair Gilt Bronze Federal Style Neo-Classical Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of gilt bronze sconces feature Classical motifs including acanthus leaves, swags and tassels. They are in excellent condition, retaining their original gilding, an...
Bronze
Pair of Louis XVI Style Neoclassical Two-Light Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces, C. 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Louis XVI Style Neoclassical Two-Light Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Made in Belgium, Circa 1900s A finely cast and richly detailed pair of Louis XVI-style two-arm wall sconces, ...
Ormolu
Pair of Brass or Bronze Sconces attributed to Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Elegant Brass or Bronze Sconces, attributed to the E.F. Caldwell Company, American, circa 1940s. They retain their warm original patina. They have been rewired and are ready ...
Metal, Brass
Pair E.F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze and Crystal Classical style Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
These finely detailed sconces are by the renowned firm of Edward F Caldwell. They feature Classical motifs including the winged head of Mercury centered on a sunburst ground of bronz...
Crystal, Bronze
