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 Plate 3 Piece Desk Set Stamp Holder Blotter Pen Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Circa 1900 German manufactured by WMF "Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik". A three-piece Art Nouveau desk set includes a "rocking" blotter, 5" x 2.5"; a pen tray, 9.75" x 2.25", and a hinged stamp...
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
$330 / item
H 1 in W 11 in D 4 in
Crystal Pen Tray with Brass Accents – Luxury Clear Pen Holder for Desk
By DAINTE INC
Located in Monroe, NY
Elevate your workspace with the Crystal Pen Tray, a modern and sophisticated pen holder for desk organization that combines the brilliance of clear crystal with polished brass accents. Minimalist yet distinctive, this tray is designed to reflect your refined taste while keeping your essentials stylishly organized. Measuring 11’’ wide, 4.25’’ deep, and 1.25’’ high, and weighing 4 lbs, this crystal pen holder for desk is compact yet substantial, offering durability and timeless elegance. The universal grooves are carefully designed to fit pens and pencils of all sizes, while the extendable brass tray slides out to provide extra space for storing paper clips, pins, or other desk accessories. This luxury pen tray holder is not just functional—it is also a decorative piece of crystal desk décor, making it an ideal choice for executive offices, home workstations, or as a stylish gift. Pair it with the matching crystal and brass business card holder...
Crystal, Brass
$775
H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
By Gucci
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...
Ceramic, Leather, Suede
WMF Art Nouveau Aperitif Serving Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau aperitif server or pin tray, circa 1900. Silver-plated metal with ginkgo biloba leaf decoration, handle decorated with a woman. Stamped WMF. In very good condition. Note ...
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
$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
Silver Plated Pen Holder and Letter Opener
Located in Sheffield, MA
Neoclassical style pen holder and letter opener. Add style, class and organization to your desk or nightstand. Dimension is for the holder. Letter opener: 7.75" L x 5/8" D. OFFERING ...
Silver Plate
Swedish silver-plated Seal Stamp in Art Nouveau
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish silver-plated Seal Stamp in Art Nouveau. Made by GAB, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden during the early 20th Century. The stamp with the initials T.R. The silver plating with p...
Metal
$633
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
$325Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in W 7.09 in D 3.35 in
French Copper & Wood Desk Art Nouveau Ink Blotter, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French ink blotter for blooting paper Made circa 1900, in wood and embossed copper Vegetal motifs To be placed on a desk or a side table. Good antique condition
Copper
Art Nouveau Footed Tray Made By Liberty & Co., English Hammered Antique Pewter
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Nouveau antique pewter footed tray made by Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London Historic household piece of English pewter with hand hammered stylised decoration Circa 1910 S...
Pewter
Glass WMF Art Nouveau Dinanderie
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
WMF Art Nouveau Dinanderie glass green color (patina) Origin Germany Technical DINANDERIE Good condition with natural wear circa 1900. Art nouveau, mod...
Metal
Antique Inkwell, Art Nouveau, Pen Tray, by WMF, circa 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful inkwell, Art Nouveau, by WMF. Nice authentic condition. .
Bronze
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...