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
$653 / 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
$634Sale 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
$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
$1,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 7 in Dm 2.5 in
Baccarat Crystal Champagne Flutes Set of 8 by Valéry Klein, France
By Baccarat, Valéry Klein
Located in Miami, FL
A truly elegant and fine quality Baccarat crystal champagne flutes, set of 8 still available. Beautiful details that will enhance any table and delight your guests. Designed by Valer...
Crystal
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
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
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
$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
Art Nouveau WMF Brass Punch Bowl, Germany, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Antique brass bowl with original glass insert, a decorative piece from the Art Nouveau period Elegant design made of solid brass with two large hand...
Brass
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
$787
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
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