J.E. CALDWELL 1870 By George B. Sharp Neo-Gothic Etruscan Server Tray .925 Sterling
Neo-gothic server tray designed by George B. Sharp for J.E. Caldwell & Co.
This is a very important antique footed tray created in America by the silversmiths of George B. Sharp, back in the 1870. This beautiful serving tray has been masterfully crafted with American neo-gothic and Etruscan patterns in solid sterling silver of .925/.999 with 24kt gild finish, and a removable clear cut-glass. It is fitted with four elaborated footed elements of winged griffins and a scalloped cut crystal tray. This rare piece was retailed by the Philadelphia based jewelry store of J.E. Caldwell & Co. Decorated with chiseled classic organics motifs, elaborated scrolls and textures pine-nuts shaped elements. A magnificent piece.
George B. Sharp
He was an Irish-American silversmith, active in Philadelphia from about 1844-1874. Sharp was born in Ireland in about 1819 and apprenticed in the United States. He is first listed in the 1850 Philadelphia directories with William Sharp, probably his brother, as a silver maker and a jewelry maker (generating $15,000 and $5,000 per year respectively). In 1852 or 1853, Sharp entered into the exclusive employment of the great Philadelphia retailers, Bailey & Co. He produced exclusively for Bailey until 1866, becoming "George Sharp (for Bailey & Co.)" after about 1862 when he started his own shop, and in 1866 resuming silverware manufacturing on his own. Sharp is noted for the high quality of his products, many of which were granted design patents, and also silverware designed by his employee Augustus Conradt. The Federal Industrial Census of 1870 reports a well-capitalized firm ($75,000) with an annual product of over $100,000 and forty-five employees. However, in 1874 the firm failed, a victim of the Panic of 1873. There are some indications that Sharp continued in business on a limited basis as a jeweler and silversmith until he retired around 1880. He died in Philadelphia.
J.E. Caldwell & Co.
The company of J.E. Caldwell & Co. was a landmark jeweler in Philadelphia, highly respected for its exquisite jewelry and silverware. But, like many jewelers, it was in creating jewels during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods that this jeweler would make its lasting mark. Upon his death in 1881, Caldwell's son, James Albert, took over the reins. In turn, his son, James Emmott, his grandfather's namesake, succeeded him. The firm changed hands many times. In 1924, J.E. Caldwell moved into the majestic space at 1339 Chestnut Street. The store itself was a work of art, boasting 17 French-cut crystal chandeliers suspended from 20-foot ceilings and an interior designed by architect Horace Trumbauer in the French Regency style. The elaborate setting dovetailed perfectly with the tastes of the jeweler's wealthy clientele. Philadelphia's socialites with a yen for European-style jewelry were the desired audience.
Country: Philadelphia, United States.
Period: American Victorian, Neo-Gothic, Etruscan 1880-1890.
Materials: Sterling Silver, 24kt gilding and cut crystal.
Weight: 925.55 Grams, (593.50 Dwt).
Measurements: 85 mm by 57 mm by 30 mm (3.32 x 2.25 x 1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram 'lion, "S", shield' associated to George Sharp, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925 silver, the inventory and model numbers, the retailer's name and signed in full as follows; "J. E. CALDWELL".
Condition: The overall condition of this J.E. Caldwell & Co. serving tray is in excellent condition. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver or the glass. This tray has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D011926MANE/27.44
