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Pair of Jugendstil Silver Napkin Rings and Decorative Box by German Makers WMF

Name: Pair of Jugendstil Silver Napkin Rings and Decorative Box by German Makers WMF
Brand: WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Price: 700 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Pair of early 20th century Jugendstil/Art Nouveau silver napkin rings and decorative box by german manufacturer Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) By: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) Material: silver, wood, thread, velvet, cord, fabric, metal, silver plate Technique: cast, gilt, patinated, polished, metalwork, silvered, plated Dimensions: 5 in x 7.5 in x 3.5 in Date: Late 19th Century, circa 1885 Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Arts and Crafts Place of origin: Germany This is a set of two napkin rings made of gilt, patinated and polished silver, with carved decoration. Both rings feature figures of young boys climbing up one side of the napkin holder. The edges of each piece show the markings 'WMF' (manufacturer's hallmark), 'I/O' (purity mark; in this case it means regular silver coating is used) and 'ig' (process of the silver; in this case it means it's gilt). They come with a decorative box to rest the rings, made of wood lined with fabric inside and a velvet surface surrounded by an ornamental rope. WMF is the abbreviation for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, which in English means Wurtemberg Metalware Factory. WMF was created in 1880 after the successful merger of two Wurtemberg foundries, the Geislingen factory and the Esslingen factory. The first foundry was commercially more successful, while the second one was using a more advanced technology of galvanic silver deposition. In 1881 the Esslingen factory was dismantled and its equipment was incorporated into the Geislingen foundry. During the next thirty years WMF experienced a period of rapid expansion, which lasted until the beginning of the World War in 1914. The WMF silver-plated production made this period of time (1880-1914) is extremely popular among western antiques collectors. This is because these tableware and household items are considered as the best samples of Jugendstil/Art Nouveau style. Some wear and tear is visible on the exterior and interior of the accompanying box for the set, resulting from repeated use over time, as evidenced in the listing photos.

Creator:

WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)

Style:

Jugendstil (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Cord,Fabric,Metal,Silver,Silver Plate,Thread,Velvet,Wood,Cast,Gilt,Metalwork,Patinated,Plated,Polished,Silvered

Place of Origin:

Germany

Period:

1880-1889

Date of Manufacture:

1880-1889

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Some wear and tear is visible on the exterior and interior of the accompanying box for the set, resulting from repeated use over time, as evidenced in the listing photos.

Seller Location:

North Miami, FL

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU8678235846422

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Shop All WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

The fine brass, copper and silver metalware produced by distinguished manufacturer Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) has adorned the tabletops of restaurants, hotels and homes around the world. WMF is especially prized by collectors for its Art Nouveau works of the late 19th century and Art Deco pieces manufactured throughout the early 20th century.

WMF traces its beginnings to 1880 when the merger of Straub & Sohn and Ritter & Co. formed the public limited company Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. The company initially focused on tableware and decorative pieces, such as vases and planters. In 1892, WMF introduced its patented “perfect hard silver plating,” a technology that distributes twice as much silver to the sections of cutlery that experience the most wear, allowing the whole piece to hold its luster longer than other silver-plated products.

In 1905, WMF acquired a majority holding of Orivit AG, a company in Cologne that manufactured products from a tin alloy, further expanding its range of materials. By 1910, its main facility in Geislingen, Germany, employed 4,000 workers. It had branches in Vienna, Warsaw and London, and printed a catalog in 12 languages.

As a German business, WMF experienced extensive asset loss in the aftermath of the world wars. However, by 1950, its main facility once again had a workforce of more than 3,000 employees, and its high-quality products returned to popularity. There was an increase in demand for its Cromargan cutlery as well as work by WMF’s preeminent lighting designer, Wilhelm Wagenfeld.

By the 1960s, WMF’s main facility had 5,800 employees. More factories were opened to keep up with demand. WMF is now one of the largest manufacturers of metalware in the world and continues to produce pieces of superb quality. The company has over 200 branches in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and owns branches in 40 other countries.

On 1stDibs, explore serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more from Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF).