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 brass picture frame with glass vienna around 1920s ( marked by WMF )
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, AT
WMF brass picture frame with glass vienna around 1920s ( marked by WMF ) Brass polished and stove enameled Glass Max picture size: H: 10cm W: 6cm
Brass
$875Sale Price|27% Off
WMF Large Pewter Oval Photograph Frame C.1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF large pewter oval photograph frame C.1910. Relief decorated with a band of roses within a border of overlapping leaves, WMF marks to reverse and B O/X ...
Pewter
Barovier and Toso Torchon glass with brass picture frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Ferndale, MI
Substantial frame is comprised of a thick handmade Murano glass border in a sparkling hue of clear glass, suitably . The Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon st...
Brass
$308Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.37 in W 1.97 in D 0.79 in
Antique Picture Frame, Brass Photo Frame, France, 2 x 3 cm
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful picture frame, France circa 1930. Picture size: 2 cm x 3 cm. Brass frames are distinguished by their characteristic golden color, which intensifies over time through the fo...
Brass
$2,650
H 18 in W 14 in D 1.5 in
Wonderful French Large Oval Bronze Ormolu Garland Embossed Picture Frame
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French large oval bronze ormolu garland embossed picture frame with easel back 18" H x 14" W.
Bronze
jugendstil picture frame around 1910s
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil picture frame around 1910s Brass polished and stove enameled Glass in front Picture size max: H:16,5cm W: 11cm
Brass
Sterling Silver Peruvian Repousse Picture Frame Ca. 1920s
Located in Peabody, MA
An early 20th century art nouveau sterling silver repousse picture frame, marked Industria Peruana Plata, Sterling. Frame measures 12.5" wide x 15.25" high overall. The opening on t...
Sterling Silver
Dior Picture Frame in Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful picture frame made of golden brass and clear lucite, enriched with Vienna straw. This lovely folding frame is attributed to Dior Home and was produced in Italy in the earl...
Metal, Brass
Gold embossed Leather Picture frame France 1920s
Located in Den Haag, NL
A rare survivor this standing Picture frame . Brown Leather , Gold embossed . Silk insert . Good condition .
Leather
Art Deco Brass Picture Frame
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco-style brass rectangular easel picture frame with embossed leaf design frame.
Brass
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass)
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass) Shell with crack in it (as shown) Stand not sold with frame Hinged arm missing from back of frame
Shell
Murano Glass Picture Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous Murano glass and brass large scale picture frame. 10x13 overall. 7x9 interior. Perfect for today's transitional designs!
Blown Glass
Fine French Ormolu Crown Frame with Tinted Photograph, circa 1890–1910
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine French Ormolu Crown Frame with Tinted Photograph, circa 1890–1910 A richly detailed French ormolu (gilt bronze) portrait frame, surmounted by a regal crown finial and finely de...
Ormolu
Large Art Deco Silver Plated Photograph Frame. English C.1925
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Large plain silver plated photograph frame Silver plated back support The signed photograph of Queen Mary came with the frame but it is not included. It is availabe on the...
Sterling Silver
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame, Germany C.1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil pewter photograph frame, Germany C.1900, WMF. Ref No 90 page 304 WMF 1906 catalogue. WMF marks B 1/0 beehive B and export mark. Overall measurements: 8 3/4...
Pewter
1900 Art Nouveau Pewter German Picture Frame by W.M.F.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A beautiful Art Nouveau picture frame designed and manufactured in Germany by W.M.F. in early 20th century. It's marked on the back side and with 216, number of the W.M.F. catalogue ...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame WMF Germany C.1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame WMF Germany C.1906. The silver plate frame, secessionist, and art nouveau design with stylised berries. Illustrated WMF 1906 Catalogue, page 3...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906.The frame of stylised jugendstil form, the bottom section of pierced gothic like panels, the upper section wit...
Pewter
Sold
H 6 in W 3.25 in D 1 in
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare size and design pewter frame of horizontal rectangular shape with elongated open panel triangu...
Metal
WMF Frame Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare design pewter frame of horizontal rectangular shape with elongated open panel triangular panel...
Pewter
Sold
H 11.75 in W 8 in D 2 in
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906. The frame of stylised jugendstil form, the bottom section of pierced gothic like panels, the upper section with cut pierced geometric style design, silver plated easel...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906. The frame of stylised Jugendstil form, the bottom section of pierced Gothic like panels, the upper section with cut pierced geometric style design, silver plated easel...
Sold
H 9.5 in W 5 in D 1 in
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare design pewter frame of horizontal rectangular shape with elongated open panel triangular panel...
W.M.F Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
W.M.F Art Nouveau Jugendstil polished pewter and wood picture frame with original wood back. WMF marks. Overall measurements: 11.00 x 8.00 inches. Image measurements: approximately 6...
W.M.F Art Nouveau Silver Plate Frame, Germany, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
W.M.F Art Nouveau silver plate frame, Germany, circa 1910. The frame of tapered plain oxidized matte finish accented with stylised scroll, bead and foliate design, centring an oval c...
Rare W.M.F Art Nouveau Double Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare W.M.F Art Nouveau double frame, Germany, circa 1900. The silvered metal frame depicting a maiden in the centre holding a floral branch, the surround of stylized Celtic design. O...