Art Deco onyx and enamel desk clock by J.E. Caldwell
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
Maker / issuer
J.E. Caldwell & CoThis Art Deco desk clock is attributed to the American jewelry firm J.E. Caldwell & Co., dating to approximately 1920. The clock features a square, gilt dial decorated with midnight blue and celadon green enamel work.
The central portion of the dial contains a sunburst or linear guilloché pattern, framed by four relief apple motifs at the corners. Roman numerals are present on the enameled chapter ring. The dial assembly is mounted onto a slab of amber-toned onyx, which serves as the clock housing and base. The signature "J.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia" is visible on the dial. The overall dimensions of the piece are approximately 5 1/8 inches in width by 5 5/8 inches in height.
The clock is designed to rest on a surface.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1920
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- J. E. Caldwell & Co.
- Style
- Art Deco
- Signature
- J.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia
- Dimensions
- 5 1/8 x 5 5/8 inches
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- J. E. Caldwell & Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Dial features four relief apple corner ornaments • Onyx slab has a light amber, cloudy natural stone pattern • Dial signatures include J.E. Caldwell Co. and Philadelphia
- Movement and Rear Access
- The rear of the clock consists of a circular, flush-fitting brass cover integrated into the onyx housing. This cover provides access to the internal mechanism for winding and setting. It includes a small winding key or ring and an adjustment aperture. The source provides no information regarding the manufacturer of the movement itself, the specific type of escapement, or the caliber of the clock. The current state of the movement and its operational history remain unspecified.
- Attribution and Provenance
- The piece is attributed to J. E. Caldwell & Co., a firm founded in Philadelphia in 1839. It is important to note that the source material providing this background acts as an auction record and does not constitute an independent authentication of the object's historical provenance or the integrity of its components.
- Dial and Case Construction
- The clock is constructed around an amber-toned onyx slab that forms the primary structure and housing for the timekeeping component. The dial itself is square in form, utilizing a combination of gilt-finished metal and enamel. The outer chapter ring displays Roman numerals against a ground of midnight blue enamel, bordered by thin bands of celadon green enamel. The central panel of the dial features a vertical guilloché pattern in a gilded finish, accented at each of the four corners by a relief ornament depicting an apple. The signature "J. E. Caldwell Co." is positioned above the central circle, with "Philadelphia" placed below, both printed in black on the gilded surface.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description states the provided history and company background are not an independent verification of authenticity or functionality
- Research required: The internal movement mechanism, winding system, and current operational status are not described in the source