WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Decorative Objects

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).

Wmf Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik decorative objects 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 decorative objects, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects 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 decorative objects by Wilhelm Binder, Ferdinand Liebermann, and Bruckmann & Söhne. Prices for WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $144 and can go as high as $450,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $773.