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).
Pair of German WMF Art Deco Metal Jugs
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Miami, US
A striking pair of German WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) metal jugs in the Art Deco style, each featuring intricate designs of a soldier in relief and detailed eagle head m...
Metal
Vintage 1960s Set of Three Turmalin Vases by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of three Turmaline vases Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Decade: 1960s Description: Original vintage...
Glass
Punch Bowl Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Punch Bowl WMF Style: Art Nouveau year: 1900 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums We have specialized in the sale of A...
Metal
Vintage 1960s Set of Three Turmalin Vases by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of 3 turmalin vases Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Decade: 1960s Description: Original vintage 1960...
Glass
Vintage 1960s Set of 2 Turmalin Vases by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of 2 Turmalin vases Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Decade: 1960s Description: Original vintage 1960...
Glass
Vintage 1960s Set of Two Turmalin Vases by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two Turmalin vases Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Decade: 1960s Description: Original vintage 19...
Glass
Centerpiece with candelabra WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of an ostrich a...
Crystal, Metal
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German Page: 91 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. *= Export-ware ...
Crystal, Metal
Pair of Pitchers Sign: WMF ( *: special piece), German, 1909 , Style: Jugendstil
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Pitchers WMF Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty year: 1906 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated and glass Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums Stamps Page 1...
Art Glass
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardinière with glass. Germany, circa 1900.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardinière with glass. Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Mirror Sign: WMF, Year: 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated Sign: WMF G with ostrich = The first WMF impressed mark, used from 1880 to 1925 for silver-plated Hollow-ware, and until 1930 for export articles. The...
Metal
WMF Necklace with Myra Glass Beads – Art Deco c1930
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : WMF necklace with Myra glass beads Date : c1930 Period : Interwar Origin : Geislingen-an-der-Steige. Germany Decoration : Iridescent myra glass beads with orignal metal spa...
Glass
Pair of Plates of Doughs or Sweets, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of plates of doughs or sweets, WMF, German WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Electro- Wurtemberg Plate Company in Geislingen, Germany, internationally known today a...
Metal
W.M.F. Silver Plate Punch Bowl with Glass, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
W.M.F. silver plate punch bowl with glass and spoon. Jugendstil period, Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
WMF Silver Plate Coffee Pot Sucrier and Milk Jug, c1925
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
WMF Silver Plate Coffee Pot Sucrier and Milk Jug, c1925 Additional information: Date : c1925 Period : Victoria or Edward VII (Emperor Wilhelm II) Marks : GUST.L.HAUER - FRANKFURT A....
Silver
Art Nouveau Jardinière With Floral Openwork Decoration, WMF Germany, Ca 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
Round silver-plated vessel on a flat stand, slightly outward-curving wall with openwork ivy leaf decoration, raised and curled tendrils on the sides, filled with ivy, forming the han...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Toilet Mirror Model 84 by WMF, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
“Model 84” toilet mirror made of silver-plated bronze and beveled mirror, manufactured by WMF- Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik...
Bronze
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Mirrors, Jugendnstil Period, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate mirrors. Jugendnstil period, Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Set of Two W.M.F. Silver Plate Flower Vases and Jardinière, Jugendstil Period
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Set of two W.M.F. silver plate flower vases and jardinière with glass, Jugendstil period, Germany, circa 1900. W.M.F. silver plate flower vas...
Silver Plate
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Dishes, Jugendstil Period, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate dishes, Jugendstil Period, circa 1900. With hunting dogs.
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau WMF Table Lamps, Bronze, Tall Design, Germany, Circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of tall table lamps by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik).Catalogued as a "flower vase" and with N° 450 & N° 450a in that category. "WMF Catalogue" (1906), p. 373. Germa...
Bronze
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Jardiniere with Mirror Plateau, Jugendstil Style
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardiniere with mirror plateau. Jugendstil style, Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate and Gilt Bronze Jardinière, Jugendstil Period
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. Silver plate and gilt bronze jardinière, Jugendstil period. Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate, Bronze
$769Sale Price / set|31% Off
WMF Little Trays with Putti, Jugendstil, Copper, Early 20th Century
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/1668 - The photos don't show the sophistication of these old WMF little plats, ( model 365 and 365) because there is the reflection of the light on the metal. Alloy of silver, lead and copper . Perfect to present sweets or for business cards and mail. Suitable also hanging under two wall lights , with fabric fans...
Copper
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Jardinière, Jugendstil Period, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardinière with glass, Jugendstil period, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Jardinière, Jugendstil Style, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardinière with glass. Jugendstil style. Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Pair of W.M.F. Silver Plate Jardinière, Jugendstil Period, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. silver plate jardinière with glass, Jugendstil period, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Pewter Centerpiece Model 392 by WMF, Art Nouveau, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerpiece for oval flowers, made of pewter, silver-plated and cut glass, model 392. Manufactured by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). Signed WMF. “Art ...
Pewter
A WMF Stainless Steel Candelabrum, c1925
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A WMF Stainless Steel Candelabrum, c1925 Additional information: Date : c1925 Origin : Geislingen-an-der-Steige, Baden-Wuttemberg, Germany Decoration : Three flared conical sconces...
Sterling Silver
$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
WMF flower centerpiece
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerpiece for flowers, silver-plated bronze with cut glass, manufactured by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). WMF signature. Germany, CIRCA 1900.
Bronze
WMF Claret Jugs silver plate
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
WMF claret jugs Electro silver Art Deco jug Origin Germany Crica 1930 perfect condition with natural wear. WMF was originally called Metallwarenfabrik S...
Metal
Art Nouveau Vases by WMF, Silver-Plated Bronze, Germany, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Nouveau vases made by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). Made in bronze with silver plating. In its design we can see the silhouette of a man and a wom...
Bronze
Large German Silver-Plated Hanging Lantern by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
Large German silver-plated hanging lantern by WMF German, c.1920 Height 90cm, diameter 24cm Consisting of a round pointed gadrooned finial suspended by curb chains and surmounte...
Silver Plate