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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Art Deco onyx and enamel desk clock by J.E. Caldwell

Partially verified

This 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.

Front view of the J.E. Caldwell Art Deco desk clock, showcasing the onyx housing, enameled dial, and apple relief ornaments.
Front view of the J.E. Caldwell Art Deco desk clock, showcasing the onyx housing, enameled dial, and apple relief ornaments. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
J. E. Caldwell & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “لوحه‌ای از اونیکس با رنگ کهربایی، صفحه را قاب گرفته است.”
  • “صفحه طلاکاری‌شده آن با مینای آبی نیمه‌شب و سبز سلادون تزئین شده و چهار نقش برجسته سیب در گوشه‌هایش دارد.”
  • “امضای «J.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia» روی صفحه دیده می‌شود.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت روی پایه قرار دارد”
  • “امضای J.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia سازنده موتور، نوع کوک و سرویس را مشخص نمی‌کند.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “شرکت آمریکایی J. E. Caldwell & Co. از فیلادلفیا را از قدیمی‌ترین جواهرسازان فاخر ایالات متحده و شناخته‌شده برای جواهرات آرت نوو و آرت دکو معرفی می‌کند.”
  • “این اطلاعات و سابقه به منبع نسبت داده می‌شوند و تأیید مستقل اصالت یا کارکرد توسط زمانیتو نیستند.”

Open research questions

  • What is the internal movement caliber and who manufactured it for the firm?
  • Are there any identifiable makers' marks or hallmarks on the metallic components of the rear cover?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Art Deco onyx and enamel desk clock by J.E. Caldwell
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. E. Caldwell & Co.“J. E. Caldwell & Co.”
Datecirca 1920“حدود ۱۹۲۰”
SignatureJ.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia“J.E.Caldwell/Philadelphia”
Dimensions5 1/8 x 5 5/8 inches“عرض ۵⅛ و ارتفاع ۵⅝ اینچ”
StyleArt Deco“با طراحی آرت دکو ساخته شده است.”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The auction description states the provided history and company background are not an independent verification of authenticity or functionality
  • The internal movement mechanism, winding system, and current operational status are not described in the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت رومیزی آرت دکو اونیکس و مینا J.E. Caldwell

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9e1ba1c9af

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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