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).
Rare Hand-Hammered Brass & Bronze Arts & Crafts Jardiniere or Wine Cooler by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and stylish antique jardiniere. This rare and marvelous design Arts & Crafts jardinière is beautifully decorated with organic yet symmetrical Jugendstil motifs. In...
Brass, Bronze
Arts and Crafts Hand Hammered Copper Vase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely Arts and Crafts "pumpkin" from hand hammered copper vase. Out of a local estate the piece has great patina and wear. A small ding to t...
Copper
Early Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Footed Bowl by Roycroft
By Roycroft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This early Arts & Crafts hammered copper footed bowl by Roycroft is a beautiful example of American handcrafted design from the 1910s. The rou...
Copper
$1,200
H 16 in W 10.5 in D 8 in
Monumental Hand-Hammered Copper Arts & Crafts Style Vessel by Marco Martinez
Located in San Diego, CA
A substantial hand-hammered copper vessel by American studio metal artist Marco A. Martinez, executed in a classic Arts & Crafts–influenced form. The piece features a beautifully bal...
Copper
Joseph Heinrichs Arts and Crafts Bronze Bowl
By Joseph Heinrichs
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts bronze bowl By Joseph Heinrichs USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.25"W x 5.25"D x 1.63"H. Good original vintage condition, with nice patina.
Bronze
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Bowl
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper bowl By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 1.88"H. Good vintag...
Copper
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Large Bowl
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper bowl By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 8.5"W x 8.5"D x 2.75"H. Good or...
Copper
Heintz Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Dish or Catchall
By Heintz Art Metal Shop
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period sterling silver on bronze dish, ashtray, or catchall By Heintz Art Metal Shop USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.88"W x 5.88"D x 0.5"H. Good orig...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
$495
H 0.5 in W 11.75 in D 11.75 in
Roycroft Style Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Charger Plate or Tray
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper charger, large plate, or tray In the manner of Roycroft USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 11.75"W x 11.75"D x 0.5"H. Good ori...
Copper
$823Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.45 in Dm 7.09 in
German Glass Vase by Karl Wiedmann for WMF Ikora, 1930s Bauhaus Art Deco
By Karl Wiedmann, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Glass vase Producer: WMF, Germany Designer: Karl Wiedmann Age: 1930s Description: Wonderful heavy Art Deco glass element designed by Karl Wie...
Art Glass
George Gebelein Boston Arts & Crafts Hand-Hammered Copper and Silver Bowl
By George Gebelein
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An fine, diminutive, period bowl by the Boston Arts and Crafts Metalsmith - George Gebelein. Comprised of hand-hammered silver and copper in the traditional Paul Revere form - an in...
Silver, Copper
Ramon Ramirez Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Vase
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts hand hammered copper vase In the manner of Roycroft By Ramon Ramirez Mexico, Mid-20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 9.75"H. Good original vintage c...
Copper
Ramon Ramirez Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Vase
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts hand hammered copper vase In the manner of Roycroft By Ramon Ramirez Mexico, Mid-20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 9.75"H. Good original vintage c...
Copper
Sold
H 6.89 in W 9.45 in D 6.7 in
WMF German Jugendstil Pierced Brass Bread Basket in Manner of Josef Hoffmann
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish German Jugendstil planished brass bread basket in the manner of Josef Hoffmann by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating...
Brass