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.
Important Pair E. F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This impressive pair of Caldwell sconces, reminiscent of Grinling Gibbons sculptural carving feature bowknots, ribbons and tassels. Interspersed among the ribbons are groupings of as...
Bronze
Pair of E. F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Two-Light Georgian Style Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of signed Caldwell sconces feature Classical motifs including foliate swags, and acanthus leaves.
Bronze
Pair Silvered Bronze Early Georgian Style Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of silvered bronze two light sconces are attributed to the renowned firm of Edward F. Caldwell. They have been newly reworked and are ready for use.
Bronze
Pair of Signed E. F. Caldwell Slivered Bronze Two-Light Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed pair of Caldwell sconces feature classical motifs including acanthus leaves, swags, and rosettes.
Bronze
Pair Georgian Style Silvered Bronze Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This large pair of George IIi style sconces are by the renowned firm of Edward F Caldwell, and were originally gas powered. They feature classical motifs including receded arms and b...
Bronze
Pair Signed E.F. Caldwell Georgian Style Sliver Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of "Old English" style twin arm sconces are by the renown lighting company of Edward F. Caldwell. The silver is in excellent condition, and has been lacquered to ...
Bronze
Pair of Silvered Bronze Three-light Sconces by Edward F. Caldwell Co.
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality pair of silvered bronze three-light caldwell sconces in Moorish style with engraved and cast decoration. Maker: Edward F. Caldwell Co. (1851-1914) Origin: America...
Bronze
Pair of Large E.F. Caldwell Silvered Metal 3-Light Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large and finest quality E.F. Caldwell silvered metal 3-light sconces.
Metal
1890s Pair Oversize Silvered Bronze Sconces EF Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This pair of oversized silvered bronze sconces by EF Caldwell is a testament to the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of the late 19th century. Made in America during the late 1...
Bronze
Pair of silvered bronze Caldwell style sconces
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of large silvered bronze sconces featuring a foliate motif, cut crystal elements and original ceramic candle covers.
Crystal, Bronze
A Pair of Silvered Three Arm Sconces by E. F. Caldwel, 42" High
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large pair of silvered three arm sconces by E. F. Caldwell. The sconces retain their original finish. They have been recently completely rewired. Due to their size this pair of sconces make quite a visual impact. The firm was one of the premier designers of electric fixtures and was founded in 1895 and continued in business into the 20th century. Caldwell's fixtures are to be found in the most important buildings in America. The White House, St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, Vanderbuilt Mansion, Andrew Carnegie...
Silver, Metal, Bronze
A Pair of Early 20th Century Silver Plated Sconces, Attributed to E.F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of cast bronze silver plated two-light sconces attributed to American maker E.F. Caldwell. The sconces with finely detailed vase-shaped backplates, issuing an arm on each side...
Silver, Bronze
