Wmf Champagne Cooler

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).

Antique and vintage wine coolers can be integral to keeping your drinks refreshing. They’re also a fun finishing touch for any cocktail party. Alongside your luxury barware, crystal tumblers and eye-catching decanters, don’t you want to show off an Art Deco wine cooler at your holiday get-together?

The desire to chill wine and other alcoholic beverages dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. With no refrigeration, these civilizations relied on snow and ice to keep their drinks cold. The original wine cooler was the psykter, a mushroom-shaped Greek vase that could sit in a krater of ice water or snow. The popularity of cold drinks has persisted across centuries to the medieval era and the present day. The wine cooler has evolved through time to meet these tastes.

Vintage wine coolers come in a range of forms and materials. These wine coolers echo the aesthetics of their eras beautifully, whether they’re fashioned from silver, glass, crystal or ceramic.

On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of wine coolers to browse, with hundreds of vintage and antique designs in a range of styles that includes Art Deco, Regency, mid-century modern and more.