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 German Jugendstil Silver Plated Large Hound by Fritz Diller
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A scarce German Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF Jugendstil silver plated model of a large standing hound by Fritz Diller and dating from circa 1906...
Silver Plate
$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
$450,000 / set
H 24.41 in Dm 11.82 in
Pair of Big Vases Wmf, German, 1910 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Vases WMF Signs: Page: 371 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. WMF G: Introduces on ...
Metal
$2,712
H 8.5 in W 13.7 in D 8.5 in
Jugendstil J.P. Kayser Inkstand / Inkwell with Great Hamlet & Skull Sculpture
By Hugo Leven, J.P. Kayser Sohn
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and important Kayserzinn pewter inkwell, designed by Hugo Leven. Who, in this day and age, would ask a top quality sculptor to design and execute a stunning sculpture with ...
Metal
Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany including letter holder 10x13x6cm, letter dryer 15x8x6cm and knife 18cm long.
Brass
$145 / item
H 1.75 in W 2.5 in D 1 in
Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...
Silver Plate
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
Silver Plated Commercial Ice or Hay Hooks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plate ice tongs hay hooks, when you move your ice or pick up the hay. Be the chicest with your block! This pair of Ice / hay tongs are a great deco...
Silver Plate
$446
H 4.34 in W 1.19 in D 2.37 in
Antique German Britannia Silver-Plated Metal Bowling Figure By WMF, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Greven, DE
This dainty figure was crafted around 1900 by WMF, short for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. Founded in 1853, this German firm continues to operate today. While historically best...
Metal
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 13 in D 9 in
Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.)
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.) Germany, Circa 1900s Attributed to WMF” Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik A gilt Art Nouveau portrait casket double i...
Metal
Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, Sign, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Box Page: 299 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover Signatures: WMF G with ostrich = The fir...
Metal
Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Box Style: Art Nouveau year: 1890 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art No...
Metal
$250,000 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 9.85 in
Pair of Big Vases Wmf, German, 1910 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Vases WMF Signs: WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of an ostrich as a tr...
Metal