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 Deco Metal Vintage Floor lamp Ikora by WMF Germany circa 1928
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage floor lamp or uplighter executed by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF, circa 1928. A beautiful floor lamp or uplighter showing a company label WMF Ikora. One bu...
Brass, Iron
Art Deco Period Brass Floor Lamp, French, Vintage Circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
Floor lamp from the Art Deco period in France. This piece is made with a ridged brass stem while the tripod foot is of solid bronze. The top of the structure is adjustable to provide...
Brass
$3,247
H 74.02 in Dm 15.75 in
Neobaroque Art Deco Floor Lamp in Cast Iron and Lacquered Metal, circa 1940
By Serge Roche, Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neobaroque Art Deco floor lamp in cast iron and lacquered metal, circa 1940. Probably repainted.
Metal, Iron
Dominique, Art Deco Floor Lamp, circa 1940s
By Dominique
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dominique, Art Deco floor lamp, circa 1940s.
Bronze
French Art Deco Metal and Brass Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning metal and brass floor lamp from France, 1930s. Black metal body with brass accents and tripod metal base with geometric detail. Newly rewired and new tapered paper shade wit...
Metal, Brass
Stylized Art Deco Floor Lamp in Bronzed Metal by Almco Lamp Co.
By Edgar Brandt
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Art Deco floor lamp,,Torchere,, Three candle light top.. Super Stylized Ironwork,,
Metal
Vintage German Space Age Glass & Metal Floor Lamp, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare Space Age floor lamp in chrome and glass - Simple yet impressive form - Made of chrome-colored cylinders of different heights - These are interconnected by webs in a triangle - ...
Metal
French Art Deco Floor Lamp, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Elegant 1930s Art Deco floor lamp with a tapering and reeded wood column, painted light blue-green. Stepped base. The column supports a large oxidzed brass bowl.
Art Deco German Ikora Pendant Ceiling Lamp from WMF
By WMF Ikora
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant pendant light from wmf from the 20/30s. A clean design with subtle ornamentation. This ceiling floodlight is characterized by its elegant shade shape and reflective surface....
Metal
Art Deco German Ikora Table Lamp from WMF, 1930s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant table lamp from wmf from the 1930s. a functional design. The simple umbrella shape is broken up by an additional cathedral on the top. A very subtle, decorative element on t...
Metal
Art Deco Column Floor Lamp, circa 1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Art Deco column floor lamp circa 1940, in patinated plaster. Column diameter: 20 cm, base 26 x 26. H column alone: 138 cm Cup: 47 cm.
Plaster
$720
H 14.25 in Dm 5.5 in
Vintage Gorgeous WMF Ikora Glass Table Lamp Foot, Vintage German Art Deco, 1930s
By WMF Ikora
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful "WMF" German Ikora glass lamp in a tantalizing color palette of greens and black, having a E27 / 110 Volt Socket for 60 watt bulb and an internal E14/110 Volt Socket for a ...
Metal, Chrome
$6,800Sale Price / set|38% Off
H 75 in W 27 in D 9 in
Mayan Revival Rare Pair of Art Deco Wrought Iron and Tin Floor Lamps, circa 1928
Located in Camden, ME
Unusual pair of Mayan Revival wrought iron with pressed tin shades in the form of Aztec head dresses fabricated at a Californian studio for use in a sile...
Wrought Iron, Tin