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).
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Mi...
Metal
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
WMF Ikora Paul Haustein Green Patinated Metal Vide Poche, Glass Insert
By Paul Haustein, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Rare Paul Haustein, WMF Ikora metal vide poche with glass insert. The patinated green metal contrasts beautifully with the etched gold and dark brown pattern seen on the dish. The gl...
Metal
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Midcentury Tourmaline Bauhaus Ashtray by WMF Germany, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful and straight modernist ashtrays, designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1959, executed by WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik in Germany in the 1960s. Made of tourma...
Stainless Steel
Vide Poche Ashtray in Marble Green Color, Italy 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide Poche, ashtray is in marble. The color is green. It has been made i, Italy circa 1960, and is in good condition.
Marble
$527
H 1.97 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Malachite Ashtray Vide Poche Desk Accessory Green Color Africa 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Great and unique shape carved malachite stone ashtray or vide poche. Imposing item, stunning color and pattern which makes it unique. Natural malachite sculpture. Some are called vide poche or ashtray dresser caddy...
Malachite
Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic Italian Ashtrays, 1960s
By Tommaso Barbi, B Ceramiche
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible Mid-Century Modern white ceramic ashtray. This fantastic piece was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced by B. Ceramiche in the late 1960s in Italy. The manufacturer's...
Ceramic
$1,641
H 1.19 in W 4.53 in D 3.55 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Ashtray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Ashtray, Austria 1960s.
Brass
Large Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray Italian Design 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Large mid-century Murano glass ashtray, 1960s Italian design Intact and in good condition. Small scratches on the bottom.
Murano Glass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray by Barovier
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A clear and gold murano glass ashtray with his pestle designed and manufactured in Italy by Barovier in the Sixties, it's in very good condition. This Murano Glass Ashtray by Barovie...
Murano Glass
Midcentury Crystal Ashtray from Kosta, 1960s
By Kosta Glasbruk 1
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Thick and heavy cigar ashtray. It is made from polished lead crystal. Signed and numbered beneath its base. The signature looks like EH so it was probably designed by Erik Hoglund.
Crystal
$351Sale Price|40% Off
H 2.37 in Dm 7.09 in
Vintage Murano Glass Ashtray / Vide-Poche by Giulio Radi for Avem
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM), Giulio Radi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. This ashtray / catchall is made in murano glass with murrines and silver leaf. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can...
Silver Leaf
Brass Shell Centrepiece or Vide Poche
By Honoré Paris
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Brass shell centrepiece or vide poche, it can be used as an ashtray too. In the style Honoré de Paris, Maison Charles.
Brass
$687
H 1.19 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in
Midcentury Ashtray by Fontana Arte Crystal Glass and Leather Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
Indulge in the elegance of this exquisite ashtray, crafted in Italy during the prestigious Fontana Arte's prime in the 1960s. The square-shaped design boasts a transparent crystal gl...
Crystal
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Original Bauhaus Glass Teapot
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic original Schott Jeana Wagenfeld Teapot signed.
Glass
Murano Sommerso ashtray from the 1960s
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Murano Sommerso Ashtray from the 1960s This Murano ashtray features an organic, asymmetrical shape, with a circular base and a wraparound desig...
Art Glass
WMF Tray Set
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Hammered, silver-plated tray with wooden handles, along with an ashtray and cigarette box in a Bauhaus-inspired style. Made by the Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) in G...
Silver Plate