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).
Art Nouveau Period Silver Drinks or Schnapps Set by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Art Nouveau drinks or schnapps set of hall-marked fine plate silver, made by the celebrated German metalworks, WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) during the early 2...
Silver Plate, Metal
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
$671 / set
H 2.37 in Dm 1.97 in
Black Forest Set of Six Schnapps Glasses Green Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown schnapps glasses in green crystal with a hand-edged hunting decor. The decor is an antique Black Forest style scene, showing a dee...
Crystal
$3,600 / set
H 5.25 in Dm 2.75 in
Set of 12 Val St Lambert Art Deco Crystal Tumblers Cranberry Cut to Clear
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A lovely set of 12 Val St. Lambert crystal tumblers cut to clear in a rare Art Deco pattern. The clean lines with panel cut base are contrasted with the vibrant cranberry overlay. Th...
Crystal
$651Sale 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
$467
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
A 1930s Art Deco cut crystal and silver plated cocktail shaker by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
A 1930s Art Deco cut crystal and silver plated cocktail shaker by WMF with silver plated top and cap, with internal, removable silver plated ice sieve. WMF was a leading global exp...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$4,200
H 12 in W 15.25 in D 5.5 in
English Oak & Nickel Silver Tantalus. Maker Daniel & Arter. Birmingham. C. 1882
Located in Charleston, SC
English Oak Tantalus with original ball faceted swivel locking handle, Nickel silver side mounts, original three cut crystal decanters with stoppers, and resting on a raised rectangu...
Sheffield 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
19th Century French Ormolu and Crystal Drinks Set
Located in London, GB
A drinks set of the Napoleon III Period The ormolu rectangular frame, rising from swept feet, with a running arcaded gallery, fitted with a mirror plate base houses a suite of four lead glass crystal stoppered decanters of square form, with floral gilt highlights, and a suite of eight stemmed spirit glasses...
Crystal, Ormolu
Art Deco Liqueur Set, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco liqueur set - a decanter with eight glasses made of amber glass The set was made in the Czech Republic in the 1930s. Very good cond...
Glass
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
$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
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