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).
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
$1,440Sale Price|42% Off
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
Albert Mayer WMF Art Nouveau Early 1900 Silver Metal ware Female Figure
By Albert Mayer, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Brescia, IT
Original early 1900 Excellent condition "WMF" mark impressed.
Metal
Centerpiece, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Electro- Wurtemberg Plate Company in Geislingen, Germany, internationally known today as 'WMF' initials of the...
Metal
German Pewter Mushroom Gnome
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (19/20th cent) pewter small figure of a gnome holding a mushroom with a perferated top (toothpick holder) and standing on a stylized round base (WMF).
Pewter
Rare Pair of ART NOUVEAU Vases by WMF, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in TEYJAT, FR
Rare Pair of Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Vases by WMF (c.1900) A striking and rare pair of silver-plated Art Nouveau vases by WMF (Württe...
Metal, Silver Plate
Selection of Lucite Centerpiece Bowls
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Lucite Centerpiece Bowls, by Ritts of California, circa 1950's. The price of $550 noted below is for each larger bowl, measuring 15.5" l...
Lucite
WMF Art Nouveau Plate
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
WMF Art Nouveau plate silver plated brass Germany about 1900-1910
Silver Plate, Brass
$420
H 8.5 in W 3.38 in D 7.75 in
Antique German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue with Wheelbarrow, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - attributed to Griebel in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in German...
Earthenware, Wood
$650 / set
H 12 in W 5 in D 7 in
Set of Five Gnomes - previously had seven. Price has been reduced for set of 5
Located in Washington, DC
Set of five painted dwarfs Gnomes.
Terracotta
$1,850 / set
H 16 in W 6.5 in D 4.5 in
Pair of Art Nouveau Silver Plated Decanters with Nude Female & Vine Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of crystal decanters date from circa 1900 from the Art Nouveau period, and have their origins from Europe, and most likely Austria....
Crystal, Silver
$420
H 8.5 in W 3.38 in D 7.75 in
Antique German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue with Wheelbarrow, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - attributed to Griebel in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in German...
Earthenware, Wood
Beautiful Gnome Figure Statue Paperweight metal, Austria 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Austrian Patinated White Metal Gnome Figurine, Vienna, Early 20th Century Charming Austrian figurine depicting a gnome with a wheelbarrow and milk jug, cast in white metal with a war...
Metal
Lot of Four Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lot of Four Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s A whimsy set of four tiny garden gnomes made in Germany ca. 1950s probably by Heissner. They are made of terracotta and ...
Terracotta
Vintage Heissner Terracotta Garden Gnome, Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Heissner Terracotta Garden Gnome, Germany ca. 1950s Item e7198 A large vintage garden gnome manufactured by Heissner in Germany, ca. 1950...
Terracotta
Five Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Five Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s A whimsy set of five tiny garden gnomes made in Germany ca. 1950s probably by Heissner. They are made of terracotta and hand-pa...
Terracotta
Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue with Rake, 1930s
By Hertwig & Co.
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - made by Hertwig & Endert in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1930s probably to 1940s. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of character and still in great condition. Made of hand colored glazed earthenware. A nice addition to any Lawn, Yard, Garden or Patio, but can also be a nice addition to a room. A German garden gnome...
Earthenware
WMF Fairy With Dove, Lily Visiting Card Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
WMF Art Nouveau visiting card tray decorated with a fairy standing before two large lily leaves, holding a dove in her hands. Impressed maker's marks including the WMF ostrich mark, ...
Metal
Sold
H 8.86 in W 6.3 in D 13.78 in
Serving Tray Woman Art Nouveau Metal, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in metal in lovely Art Nouveau-style designed at WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik in Germany. It is 35 x 16...
Metal
Art Deco Sculpture by Kunstanstalt WMF Geislingen, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco sculpture crafted of bronze with brown patina, depicting a nude crouched woman holding a drapery. The figure is resting on a red and beige marble plinth. The bronze is marke...
Bronze
Art Nouveau WMF Maiden Twin Sectioned Fruit Dish
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
WMF twin compartment fruit dish with a maiden stood in the middle. Maker's marks including impressed 'WMF', 'I/0' , 'as' and 'EP'. Illustrated on page 42, 'Art Nouveau Domestic Desig...
Metal