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 Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Desk Set, Three Pieces, Circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Miami Beach, FL
WMF German Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Three-Piece Desk Set with Rocking Blotter, Pen Tray and Stamp Holder, Circa 1905 A refined three-piece Art Nouveau d...
Silver Plate
WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand of Rectangular Organic Flowing Form
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand. Germany. The inkstand is of rectangular organic form with stylized clovers to the front border, plain deep welled front and smaller si...
Pewter
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
$1,440Sale Price|42% Off
H 8.67 in W 13.39 in D 6.3 in
Art Nouveau sculpture desk Inkwell Stand, Figure of the Law and Justice 1900´s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
WMF, superb Art Nouveau desk inkwell. Wonderful work. Maker mark for WMF. Model 288. The Lady is the Law. Similar to the justice sculpture See Photos...
Spelter
$637
H 2.37 in W 13 in D 7.68 in
WMF Württembergische Metallwaren German Jugendstil Pewter Desk Stand and Inkwell
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish German Jugendstil pewter desk stand and inkwell by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from around 1906. The stand comprises of a centr...
Pewter
$12,500
H 2.5 in W 10.25 in D 6 in
Rare Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Gorham Martele Footed Inkstand with Hinged Lid
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, rare, sterling silver (.950) Art Nouveau, Martele inkstand with ball feet and hinged lid, the Gorham Manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1905. According to the PTB mark on the underside, most probably, the Gorham silversmith who made it...
Sterling Silver
Two Art Nouveau WMF cartridges
Located in Porto, PT
Two Art Nouveau WMF cartouches. In silver-plated pewter; decorated with vegetal elements and figures. One marked 'WMF'. Circa 1905. Dimensions: (larger) 12x26 cm.
Metal
Huge WMF Tin Silver Plated Art Nouveau Vase
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Huge WMF tin silver plated Art Nouveau vase with female figure and putto.
Silver Plate, Pewter
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 16 in D 12 in
Art Nouveau WMF Pewter Vases with Turquoise Glass, Germany, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of silver plated pewter and turquoise glass vases. Manufactured by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 - present). Signed WMF. Germany, CIRCA 1900.
Pewter
Antique Inkwell, Art Nouveau, Pen Tray, by WMF, circa 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful inkwell, Art Nouveau, by WMF. Nice authentic condition. .
Bronze
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
Antique German WMF Art Nouveau Copper and Brass Double Inkwell
Located in Nottingham, GB
Founded in Geislingen an der Steige in 1853, Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) grew to become one of Europe's most influential manufacturers of decorative and domestic metalwa...
Copper, Brass, Bronze
Art Nouveau, Liberty & Co. London. Hammered Antique Pewter Dish c1910
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Nouveau antique pewter footed dish for Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London Superb dark pewter patina and hand hammered with stylised edging decoration Circa 1910 Signed Engl...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Brass Desk Lamp
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Art Nouveau brass desk lamp with attached tray.
Brass
German Art Nouveau Pewter Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
German Art Nouveau pewter inkstand with scroll designs supporting a square cut glass inkwell with a square molded pewter lid.
Pewter
$45,000 / set
H 45.5 in W 18 in D 16 in
WMF Art Nouveau Vase and Centerpiece Set, Silver-Plated, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
4-piece set consisting of two vases and a centerpiece for flowers, made of silver-plated bronze with cut glass, manufactured by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the pr...
Bronze
$220Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 9.25 in D 0.6 in
French Art Nouveau Silver Plated Nude Lady Letter Opener
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French 1930's Art Nouveau Silver Plated Letter Opener In the Shape of a Nude Lady
Silver Plate
German Art Deco Rally Car Desk Compendium by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Newark, England
From our Collectables category, we are thrilled to offer to the market this rare example Art Deco Rally Car Desk Compendium by WMF (Württembergische Metallwar...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Jugendstil WMF Brass Notepad, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau Jugendstil WMF brass notepad, Germany, circa 1900. The hinged notepad depicting horse and rider on the front, stylised Jugendstil accent decorati...