Skip to main content

WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

German

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).

Average Sold Price
$1,083
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
An art deco Ikora Vase 29/22 made ca. 1925 by the W.M.F.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, WMF Ikora
Located in Aachen, DE
An art deco Ikora Vase 29/22 made ca. 1925 by the W.M.F. in Geislingen. A German Dinanderie vessel in tune with the times of the roaring 1920ties. ...
Category

1920s German Art Deco Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Metal, Brass

Very Rare W.M.F. silverplate wine service
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Historical and Artistic Value Art Nouveau Design: Exemplifying the influential Art Nouveau style, characterized by flowing lines and organic forms, this set is a valuable collector's...
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Metal

Very Rare W.M.F. silverplate wine service
Very Rare W.M.F. silverplate wine service
H 12.21 in W 19.69 in D 13.78 in
Art Nouveau WMF Maiden Mirror, circa 1906, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau WMF Mirror, circa 1906, Germany, silver plated, pattern number 108a. Original beveled glass mirror and wood back, the frame decorated with openwork foliage and a reclinin...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Silver Plate

WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Candle Holders
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Melbourne, AU
A pair of Art Nouveau or Secessionist WMF 'Britannia metal' (pewter) and silver plate candle holders. Both marked to the interior of the base 'WMFB' and 'OX'. This finish was used be...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Silver Plate, Pewter

WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Candle Holders
WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Candle Holders
H 5.71 in W 2.76 in D 1.97 in
Crystal amber carafe and 5 glasses, WMF Germany, Art Deco.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chorzów, PL
Crystal carafe and 5 glasses, designed in the 1930s by WMF Germany, Art Deco style. Elegant set in very good condition, no damage. The metal neck of the carafe is slightly worn. car...
Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Glass

Figurative Toothpick Holder Stand WMF Art Nouveau Antique Silverplated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This cute antique Art Nouveau figurative toothpick holder by WMF is a delightful representation of the period's artistic sensibilities. Crafted from silver-plated pewter in a material known as "Britannia Metall," this piece exudes a certain charm and whimsy that is characteristic of Art Nouveau design. The toothpick holder features a figurative scene depicting a young boy cradling a dachshund puppy in his arms. This tender and endearing scene captures a moment of affection and companionship between the boy and his furry friend. The attention to detail in rendering both the boy's features and the dachshund's playful expression showcases the skilled artistry of the WMF craftsmen. "Britannia Metall" refers to a high-quality pewter alloy that was favored during the Art Nouveau period for its malleability and durability. The silver-plated finish lends a touch of elegance to the piece, while still allowing the fine details of the figurine to shine through. WMF, or Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, was a renowned German metalware company that was at the forefront of Art Nouveau design. Their pieces are highly collectible and sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship and artistic merit. This antique toothpick...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Silver Plate, Pewter

Antique Ladies Cane or Walking Stick by Wmf Germany, 1910s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish dress cane or women's walking stick. Its made from black lacquered wood and features an ornamented handle in Alpacca Silver. Fully hallmarked from...
Category

1910s German Edwardian Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Silver

WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Mirror, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter mirror, Germany, circa 1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts...
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Materials

Pewter

Browse all Furniture from WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Shop Now

Creators Similar to WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Wmf Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik furniture, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik were created in the Art Nouveau style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Wilhelm Binder, Ferdinand Liebermann, and Bernhard Hoetger. Prices for WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $700 and can go as high as $275,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,980.

Recently Viewed

View All