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).
Art Deco WMF Jewelry Box with key around 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco WMF Jewelry Box with key around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled With key
Brass
WMF Art Nouveau Germany Silver Plate Jewelery Box, 1900s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Jewelery box, WMF - Germany, early 20th century Rectangular shape with scroll decorations, surmounted by a crown, internal fabric compartments, four curled feet, brand under the bas...
Silver Plate
Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, Sign, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
WMF Art Deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, Around 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
WMF Art Deco jewelry box Vienna around 1920s. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Art Deco WMF Hunting Motiv Jewelry Box, circa 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco WMF hunting motiv jewelry box, circa 1920s Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Wedding Ring Holder, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
Pair of Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, Sign: WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Mirrored Jewelry Casket with Bakelite Cover, France, 1920s
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant wood casket, covered with mirrors, black bakelite cover : for Your jewels or cards or photos... France - Art Deco O/1607.
Bakelite
WMF Art Nouveau Silver Plated Vase with Glass Liners, Germany, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Antwerp, BE
One WMF Art Nouveau silver plated vase with decoration and original glass liners. There is only one left for sale so the price shown is not for the set but for a vase.
Silver
WMF Brass Jewelry Box germany around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
WMF Brass Jewelry Box germany around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905 A documented German Jugendstil brass jewelry box by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), dating to circ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Rectangular Silver Plate Jewelry Box, France
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This French rectangular silver box is heavily decorated in the typical styles of this Art Nouveau period. The box has vintage red velvet interior and the original hardware with a wor...
Silver Plate
$4,565
H 2.76 in W 10.83 in D 2.76 in
Stunning Art Deco Bronze Jewelry Box by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
By Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful hinged lid bronze box with amazing patina. Art deco / Swedish Grace. Could be used as a jewelry or pencil box. Original key. Interior upholstered in purple velv...
Bronze
$1,215
H 2.92 in W 4.3 in D 2.76 in
Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jugendstil Arts and Crafts Jewelry Box Casket c. 1905
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in London, GB
A beautiful art nouveau casket made by Erhard and Sohne in Germany in c. 1905. The casket is exquisitely executed with foliate detailing, made in th...
Brass
$109
H 1.26 in W 3.94 in D 2.76 in
Silver Plated Snuffbox, Germany by WMF, End of 19th - Beg. of 20th Century
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Rīga, LV
Silver-plated snuffbox, Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), Germany, end of 19th - beg. of 20th Century Additional Information: Materials: Metal, silver plating Vintage fr...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,600
H 2 in W 5.5 in D 4.25 in
1930s Carl Aubock Large Art Deco Jewelry Storage Cigarette Box, Roll Top, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, curved and large Art Deco storage box, jewelry box, or cigarette dispenser featuring a roll-top lid with a small brass handle, dating from the 1930s. This is an early design ...
Brass, Nickel
$539Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.38 in D 2.09 in
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...
Silver Plate, Pewter
$1,350
H 1.88 in W 3.5 in D 1.75 in
Rare Art Deco Brass Box w/ 1920s Scenes - Tennis, Golf, Fishing, Horses, Autos
By Aerozon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and stunningly detailed, this brass box covered with low-relief scenes illustrating swells enjoying the high life of the late 1920s was made by the Aerozon company in Berlin. O...
Brass
$1,114
H 40.75 in W 12.25 in D 6.75 in
Antique Vintage Ladys Ormolu Bronze Dore German Jewelery Box Casket Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A beautiful quality Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Jewelry Casket, made in Germany in c. 1900, firmly attributed to renowned maker Erhard & Sohne. The highly elaborate ormolu metal case...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
WMF Ikora Green Patinated Metal Rounded Tall Vase with Trees, 1930s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Rare WMF Ikora metal rounded tall vase from the 1930s. The patinated turquoise green metal contrasts beautifully with the gold trees and branches...
Metal
WMF Ikora Paul Haustein Green Patinated Metal Hinged Box, Wood Lined
By Paul Haustein, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Rare Paul Haustein, WMF Ikora metal hinged box, wood-lined. The patinated green metal contrasts beautifully with the etched gold and dark brown patter...
Metal
WMF Ikora Green Patinated Metal Round Lidded Box, 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Rare WMF Ikora metal lidded box. The patinated turquoise green metal contrasts beautifully with the gold ringed design. This piece looks wonderful as part of a group, or independentl...
Metal
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silvered Pewter Box Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silvered pewter Box Germany, circa 1900. The box of a rare design, rectangular arch like shape \hinged cover with hemis...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Jewelry Box
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau silver-plated jewelry box by W.M.F. Made in Germany circa: 1905.
Silver Plate
Art Deco Jewelry Box by WMF, Germany, circa 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco jewelry box by WMF, Germany, circa 1920s. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
WMF Jewelry Box Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate jewelry box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular shape on four turned stylised supports, conforming in style to cornices and decorati...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.5 in W 8.75 in D 5.5 in
Jugendstil Nouveau Secessionist Jewelry or Cigar Box, WMF, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jugendstil Nouveau secessionist silver plate jewelry box, WMF, Germany, circa 1906. The large rectangular box with stylized raised foliate hinged cover, plain sides. Satin silk lined...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.125 in W 4.875 in D 3.75 in
Jugendstil Nouveau Jewelry or Cigarette Box, WMF, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jugendstil Nouveau secessionist silver plate jewelry or cigarette box, WMF Germany, circa 1906. The rectangular box with stylized raised acorn and foliate hinged cover, plain sides L...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 5.5 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Large Jewelry or Cigar Box, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate large jewelry or cigar box, Germany, circa 1906. The box of rectangular shape on four turned stylized supports, ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4 in W 5.5 in D 5 in
WMF Jewellery Box Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate jewellery box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular shape on four turned stylised supports, conforming in style to cornices and decoration of sides and concave dome...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 5.5 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate Jewelry Box Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist silver plate large Jewelry box, Germany, circa 1906. The box of rectangular shape on four turned stylized supports, conforming in, Germany, circa 1906. Th...