Pair of E.F. Caldwell Hand-Carved Rock Crystal & Ormolu Mounted Palm Tree Lamps

Description

A Pair of Hand-Carved Rock Crystal and Gilt Bronze Table Lamps by E.F. Caldwell & Co., New York, Early 20th Century. Each lamp is constructed using clear rock crystal elements of varying forms, including faceted baluster necks, shallow circular dishes, and teardrop-shaped spiral-fluted shafts. The rock crystal components are fitted with finely cast and chased ormolu mounts, and both lamps are surmounted with a foliate-cast pinecone finial. Each lamp features a central tapered baluster shaft with spiral fluting, resting on a lobed, fan-cut rock crystal foot. Above this sits a wide collar of gilt bronze modeled as overlapping palm fronds, which supports a shallow bowl-form crystal dish and two vertically stacked faceted crystal sections. The bronze mountings include foliate and acanthus detailing throughout, including at the base of the column and around the lamp sockets. The openwork circular bases are cast with scrolling rococo-style motifs and provide structural footing for the crystal elements. E.F. Caldwell & Co., active in New York from the late 19th to early 20th century, specialized in producing lighting fixtures and decorative objects for major architectural commissions, including work for the White House and leading private residences. Known for their mastery of classical and revivalist styles, the firm employed skilled artisans to carve natural materials such as rock crystal and to produce elaborate gilt bronze mounts. The palm frond motif and quality of carving align with Caldwell’s documented production for neoclassical and transitional interiors. New York, Circa: 1920 Each lamp measures 29 inches in total height, with the rock crystal base alone measuring 19 inches.

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