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).
Vintage 1950s-1960s WMF Kerzenständer Candleholder by Günter Kupetz Wagenfeld
By Günter Kupetz, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Günter Kupetz Decade: 1950s Material: Metal / silver plated ...
Metal
WMF, Arts & Crafts silver plated candlestick with bowl shaped drip tray & base
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. An Arts and Crafts Silver plated candlestick with a bowl-shaped drip tray to the top with dot details, the main stem a central knop also decorated wit...
Silver Plate
Midcentury Extra Large Hotel Candle Holder in Bronze Silverplated by WMF Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Midcentury Extra Large Hotel Candle Holder in Bronze Silverplated by WMF Germany Beautiful candle holder or candlestick Made in Germany by WMF, brand imprinted from the manufacturer in the 1970s. The candle holder is of very big dimension, made for the Hotel environment. It has a solid and heavy base of bronze ( 7,5 KG or 17 lbs !) and is silver plated outside. It takes total 9 candle...
Silver Plate, Bronze
WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick in the Dr C Dresser Style
By Christopher Dresser, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick and match book holder in the Dr C Dresser Style.
Copper
Sculptural Brass Candleholder Object by Günter Kupetz for WMF, Germany 1950s
By Günter Kupetz, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder Producer: WMF, Germany Design: Günter Kupetz Decade: 1950s Material: brass Description: ...
Metal
$388Sale Price|27% Off
H 6.89 in Dm 3.25 in
Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
By Christopher Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe, Torquay and dating from around 1885. The red earthenware vase is lightly potted with a round pedestal foot with an unglazed base on a rounded body with a bud shaped neck with raised top with a fold back rim. Ornate scroll handles are applied to either side. The body of the vase is decorated in bright green, blue and white flow glazes against a natural brown ground from the underlying glazed elements of the body. This very stylish example has impressed WATCOMBE TORQUAY...
Earthenware
Neoclassic Bronze Candle Holders
Located in Tampa, FL
A very unusual and attractive pair of tapered French bronze candle holders. circa 1800s.
Bronze
Pair Vintage Mid Century WMF Ikora Silver-Plated Candlesticks
By WMF Ikora
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of vintage mid-century WMF Ikora silver-plated candlesticks. Dimensions: 2.63" H x 4.5" W x 2.5" D, Candle opening 1" diameter. Please visit take a l...
Silver Plate
$1,250
H 3 in W 9.5 in D 6.5 in
Arts and Crafts Copper and Brass Candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement
Located in Sharon, CT
Arts and Crafts copper and brass candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement. Candleholder retains original patinated surface.
Brass
$1,973 / set
H 15.56 in Dm 7.49 in
Pair of Rivière Studios Arts & Crafts Copper Candlesticks with Twisted Stems, US
By Riviere Studios
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
A rare and exceptional pair of Arts & Crafts candlesticks attributed to Rivière Studios, New York, circa 1910. Expertly crafted in solid copper, each candlestick features a finel...
Copper
$529 / set
H 2.56 in W 4.73 in D 4.14 in
Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8.
By Bmf Nagel, Nagel & Stoffi
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8. Set of eight original vintage metal candle sticks designed by Fritz Nagel and Ceasar Stoffi for BMF Nagel, ...
Metal
$650
H 6 in W 8 in D 4 in
Set of 2 Bauhaus Candlestick Holders Attributed to Günter Kupetz, Germany, 1950s
By Günter Kupetz
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a gorgeous set of Bauhaus candlestick holders forged from solid brass and bent into a these fantastic shapes. Attributed to the renowned Günter Kupetz, a German-born indu...
Brass
$640
H 3.55 in W 16.15 in D 2.37 in
WMF, Germany, Modernist Ikora Candleholder in Plated Silver, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
WMF, Germany. Modernist Ikora candleholder in plated silver. Mid-20th century. Measures: 41.5 x 6.5 cm. Height: 9 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Silver Plate
Christopher Dresser Perry & Son Aesthetic Movement Candleholder
By Christopher Dresser
Located in Sharon, CT
A Christopher Dresser Aesthetic Movement candleholder, with a rare retaining of the original porcelain bobeche. Signed with the Perry mark on the bottom.
Tin
$509Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.78 in Dm 5.91 in
Large sacred art deco bronze candle holder, Germany around 1930
Located in Hannover, DE
This pillar candle holder exudes a sacred atmosphere with its simple and high-quality workmanship. This candlestick originally came from a church and was used there for many years. T...
Bronze
WMF Jugendstil Copper & Brass Friar and Cat Chamberstick, C.1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Jugendstil German copper and brass novelty chamberstick by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from ar...
Brass, Copper
Christopher Dresser Attributed Aesthetic Movement Terracotta Vase
By Christopher Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish aesthetic movement terracotta vase with slip applied floral designs in the manner of Watcombe and design attributed to Christopher Dresser dating from around 1880. Thi...
Terracotta
Sold
H 14.5 in W 8.25 in D 4.1 in
Antique Pair of Viennese Secession Brass Table Candlesticks / Holders by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish, rare and timeless candlesticks. These original WMF candlesticks date from circa 1900 and finding this rare pair again felt like a blessing. This timeless style is collected...
Brass