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 Silver Plated Crystal Lemonade / Cocktail Jug Engraved with Circle Motifs
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
A WMF silver plated crystal lemonade / cocktail jug engraved with circle motifs. Mounted with a hinged silver plated lid and handle that opens to reveal t...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$420 / set
H 5.5 in Dm 2.38 in
Set of 6 Deborah Ehrlich Simple Crystal Cocktail Glasses, Handblown in Sweden
By Deborah Ehrlich
Located in Accord, NY
Launched with Takashimaya in 1999, these handblown crystal cocktail glasses have become a modern Classic. Each Deborah Ehrlich piece is design...
Crystal
$641Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in Dm 7.09 in
Art Deco Engraved Crystal Carafe with Ice Container, England, 1920
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant unusual crystal carafe with internal container for ice, helpful and beautiful for your corner bar. rif. O/2846 -
Crystal
$459
H 8.08 in Dm 3.35 in
WMF Cocktail Shaker Cut Crystal & Silverplated Metal Mid Century Modern Barware
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning cocktail shaker from WMF dates back to the 1960s, showcasing a beautiful combination of cut crystal and silver-plated metal. The body of the shaker features a classic r...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Antique German .800 Silver and Diamond Cut Crystal Claret Jug or Pitcher
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique claret jug is hallmarked by an unknown maker, and believed to have originated from Germany and date to approximately 1920 and done in t...
Crystal, Silver
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
WMF Art Deco Silver Plate Martini Cocktail Shaker, circa 1930
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Deco silver plate cylindrical cocktail or Martini shaker was crafted by silversmith WMF, Germany, circa 1930. The three-sectioned cocktail shaker has a removable ca...
Silver Plate
$795
H 13.25 in Dm 5.25 in
Hand-Crafted, Colored and Cut-Glass Crystal Decanter with 800 Silver Stopper
Located in Lisse, NL
Good quality, practical and highly decorative antique decanter. This handcrafted English decanter will look great on any drinks cabinet, table, dresser and/or side table. The bottle is beautifully and perfectly etched or hand-engraved with very stylish scrolling and flower motifs. The silver stopper...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$1,795 / set
H 10.75 in Dm 10.75 in
English 19th Century Silver and Crystal Decanter Set with Glasses and Platter
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English silver and crystal decanter set from the 19th century, with seven glasses, a decanter and silver platter. Born in England during the 19th century, this exquisite set featu...
Crystal, Silver
Art Nouveau WMF Claret Jug and Stopper with Green Glass Liner
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Art Nouveau WMF green glass silver plated claret jug of stylised form, the mount depicting bathing maidens. The handle and finial modelled as a fruiting vine. Impressed maker's marks...
Glass
Large Lead Cut-Glass Ship's Decanter with engraved sailing ship, circa 1930
By Thomas Webb & Sons
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very large ( 1.5 litre) high quality ship's decanter, having an engraved image of a square rigger ship with a wide base made from heavy lead cryst...
Crystal
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.5 in W 13.5 in D 5.25 in
Victorian Oak and Silver Metal Tantalus with Crystal Decanters
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Original antique Victorian oak and silver metal tantalus with three crystal decanters. Comes with key to lock in the liquor or wine decanters.
Silver
52 Piece of Baccarat Crystal Stemware with Decanters model Bourbon'
By Baccarat
Located in CA, CA
A very beautiful and rare set of Bourbon Baccarat crystal consisting of 48 glasses and 4 decanters. The glasses and decanter are moulded of heavy crystal incorporating wide cut flat sides on a hexagonal base cut in. The pieces all bear the Baccarat signature and are in very good condition with no chips. The Bourbon design was originally created in 1937 but discontinued in 1970. The images look cloudy but the pieces are crystal clear 2 x large decanters 2x smaller decanters...
Crystal
Gold-Amber Matching Pair of Cut Crystal Table Vases, with Sticker WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
Matching pair of cut crystal table vases. Made by WMF (in the style of Moser) with flat cut sides and made of the best quality bohemian crystal in gold-amber.
Crystal