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 Silverplate Modernist Plate Sigrid Kupetz Design with Small Oval Bowl
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
WMF silver plate modernist plate Sigrid Kupetz design with small oval bowl, both by Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik, mid-20th century. The plate is ...
Silver Plate
Set of Two W.M.F. Silver Plate Flower Vases and Jardinière, Jugendstil Period
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Set of two W.M.F. silver plate flower vases and jardinière. Jugendstil period, Germany, circa 1900. Jardinière dimensions: 16 cm height, 46 cm...
Silver Plate
Set of large Iridescent Jugendstil Wilhelm Kralik Sohn Vases
By Wilhelm Kralik Sohn
Located in Hellouw, NL
An impressive set of Kralik vases with a bottle shape and marbled designs with an opalescent colors, rounded base, tall slender neck with acup shaped top. The iridescent glass vases are decorated with brown/red and white swirled designs originating from the bottom of the vase. The vases belong to the same series by Wilhelm Kralik...
Glass
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
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
$900
H 12.25 in W 15.75 in D 11.75 in
Jugendstil Sea Horse Planter by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oxidized copper (green sections). Chased and hammered. Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance and we do not ship uninsured. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Shortly before the foundation of WMF, Daniel Straub had founded his first manufacturing company, Maschinenfabrik Geislingen, in connection with his participation in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, the steepest railway line in Europe at the time. As experienced metal spinners, the brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer were able to contribute their technical expertise to the project. Most early designs for the company looked to past historical styles although early recognition of the quality of its products included the award of a Gold Medal at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. The company showroom, established in Berlin in 1868, was its first retailing outlet and marked the beginnings of a rapid development in scale. By 1880, when the company merged with Ritter & Co. to form the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the company employed about 200 and had a range of nearly 1,000 products, many of them electroplated. In the late 19th century the company was also involved in architectural decoration, ornaments for the home and replicas of works of art and archaeology, including the reproduction of Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous early Italian Renaissance doors...
Brass, Copper
Signed Amphora Jugendstil Czechoslovakia Vase
By Amphora
Located in Troy, MI
Originally from Czechoslavakia, this marked Amphora vase dates from 1910-1920. Vase stands 14” tall and has a dark rim and handles with a pale tan pebbled texture with and dramatic s...
Ceramic
$13,922
H 6.11 in W 6.11 in D 3.35 in
Documented Austrian Jugendstil Bronze Vase Gustav Gurschner circa 1905 Silvered
By K.K. Kunst-Erzgiesserei Wien, Gustave Gurschner
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Austrian Jugendstil Patinated and Silver-Plated Bronze Vase designed by Gustav Gurschner manufactured by K.K. Kunst-Erzgiesserei circa 1905 Signed Gustav Gurschner is among the m...
Bronze
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Tea Service and Trey
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Sarasota, FL
WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK Art Nouveau Jugendstil tea and coffee service with the tray. All pieces marked with the WMF ostrich mark, G for Geslingen city of manufacture, ...
Silver Plate
$2,995 / set
H 15.75 in W 6.5 in D 7 in
Pair of Art Nouveau Silver Plated Vases with Stylized Female Figures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This matched pair of silver plated vases each depicting a stylized robed female with outstretched arms were mostly likely made in France, although are unmarked. The arms function as ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Wm. A. Rogers Silverplate Scalloped Candy Bowl
By Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully reflective vintage silverplate serving dish by Wm. A. Rogers, manufactured by Oneida Ltd., featuring an elegant scalloped rim and softly fluted interior. The bowl’s org...
Metal, Silver Plate
$495
H 1.75 in W 18.25 in D 13.5 in
Large Barker Ellis Oval Bowl with Menorah Hallmark Silverplate, Early 20th c
By Barker Ellis Silver Co.
Located in valatie, NY
Large Barker Ellis Silverplated Oval Bowl with Menorah Hallmark. Barker Ellis silver, Birmingham England, manufacturer of silver, silver plate and electroplated ware date back to 1801, it is now one of the oldest silversmiths and electroplaters in Birmingham. Trent Antiques has been a respected name in antiques for...
Silver Plate
Art Deco WMF Silver-Plated and Glass Cocktail Shaker
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
This chic bar accessory is made by the renowned manufacturer WMF. The shaker is in a very good condition. The shaker has a removable cap and strainer. It is marked underside the cap ...
Silver Plate
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
Early 20th Century Iridescent Glass Art Nouveau Decanter by Wmf
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
A very fine early 20th Century German WMF Art Nouveau Decanter the pewter plated body with green glass insert, decorated with roundel busts of Art...
Glass