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).
Beautiful vintage designer serving plate fish motif well-known WMF 1980s Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, AT
A very attractive fish-shaped serving platter from the well-known manufacturer WMF - Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, dating from the 1980s, in fantastic, barely used condition. ...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Austrian Fish And Shell Plate
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL
Antique porcelain hand painted fish plate with beautiful floral decorated trim. Beautiful details.
Porcelain
$950 / set
H 1.25 in Dm 9.25 in
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Fish Plates, Pesci pattern or Passage of Fish
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
School's In Session: Fornasetti's Enchanting "Passage of Fish" Plates Artist: Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) Pattern: "Pesci" or "Passage of Fish," plates numbered #2 & #3 Pe...
Porcelain
Vintage Pressed Glass Fish Plates - Set of 4
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage Pressed Glass Fish Plates set of four—coastal-retro charm with detailed scales and divided centers, ideal for seafood, snacks, and entertaining. We sell items as acquired...
Glass
12 Cauldon England Painted Porcelain Fish Plates
By Cauldon
Located in Norwood, NJ
Set of 12 porcelain hand painted fish plates by Cauldon, England for Higgins & Seiter, New York. Set of twelve elaborately painted fish plates, each painted with scenes of different fish, artist signed D. Birbeck. Circa 1905 to 1920. Made exclusively for Higgins and Seiter...
Porcelain
$225 / set
H 1 in Dm 8.75 in
Set of 6 Vintage Italian Blue & White Fruit Motif Plates, Hand-Painted - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring timeless European charm to your table with this set of six vintage Italian ceramic plates, each adorned with a rich cobalt blue fr...
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
Set of Twelve English Fish Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of twelve English fish plates. Twelve plates featuring various freshwater fish of the British Isles. Assembled set includes 3 Tench, 3 Salmon, 2 R...
Ceramic
$96 / set
H 7.88 in Dm 7.88 in
Rosenthal Dessert Plates Vintage Plates with Floral Pattern German Porcelain
By Rosenthal
Located in Bastogne, BE
Beautiful dessert plates of the finest white porcelain from the famous manufactory Rosenthal. Germany. The price per set of 3 plates. Plates have embossed edge surface and ...
Porcelain
Set of Six Cobalt Blue Murano Glass Round Dinner Plates, Italy 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic set of six midcentury glass plates in an incredibly vibrant cobalt blue color. These gorgeous plates were hand-made in Italy by Duna in the 1980s. This incredibly elegant ...
Glass, Art Glass
Beautiful Square Plates Van Well Six Charger Plates
Located in Bastogne, BE
Set of German porcelain deep dinner plates in an elegant square shape and suitable charger plates hand-painted in blue glaze, and floral pattern. From famous company Van Well. Th...
Porcelain
$1,798Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.04 in Dm 0.04 in
Antique / Vintage German Art Deco Plates 1920-1930 Waechtersbach Germany
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Waechtersbach. Art Deco 1920s-1930s plates. Serving dish Overall condition A++ (Good). Some minor chips and frits to base rim. Ø 33 cm.
Earthenware
$275
H 7 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Vintage English Edwardian Style Silver Plated 10" Round Serving Dish Plate Cover
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage English Edwardian Style Silver Plated 10" Round Serving Dish Dinner Plate Cover. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 7" H x 10.25" Diameter.
Silver Plate
$3,400 / item
H 2.76 in W 28.75 in D 18.12 in
Extra Large WMF Art Nouveau Silver Plated Waiter's Serving Tray, Germany 1900s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremally rare German WMF Art Nouveau silver plated handled waiter's tray with berry and ivy foliage relief with Art Nouveau patterns and decorative...
Metal