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).
2 Hanging Lamps Art Deco, German, Wmf Design, 1930 in Iridescent Glass
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of chandeliers Material: Chromed and iridescent glass Style: Art Deco Country:German To take care of your property and the lives of our customers, the new wiring has been done....
Chrome
French Art Deco Frosted High Art Glass Patined Brass Pendant, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
An elegant Art Deco high relief glass pendant, light fixture, France 1930-1939, frosted glass globe with beautiful detailing, patinated brass moun...
Brass
$2,100
H 23.63 in Dm 11.82 in
Art Deco Peter Behrens Light Fixture Chandelier, Opal Glass Nickel, Germany 1910
By Siemens, Peter Behrens
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A German glass and nickel light fixture with nice patina designed by Peter Behrens, manufactured circa 1910. The lamp shade is made of two glasses: an opaline white glass at the top ...
Metal, Copper
$1,064
H 25.6 in Dm 15.75 in
French Art Deco Amber Chandelier & Pendant Light in Degué Style Thick Glass 1930
By Degué
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful French Art Deco chandelier or pendant with amber glass shade with floral and geometric pattern in the style of Degué. Me...
Metal
Art Deco Glass Lamp, 1930s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking Art Deco glass pendant lamp from 1930s Germany is a refined example of early modern lighting design. Its elegant, flattened dome silhouette reflects the streamlined aes...
Glass
$2,989
H 30 in Dm 15.9 in
French Pure Art Deco Glass Pendant Light / Chandelier, Daum Pierre D'Avesn 1930s
By Daum, Pierre D'Avesn
Located in Lisse, NL
Another top quality made, antique French Art Deco pendant light with the wow factor. This Art Deco chandelier by Pierre D'Avesn was all hand-crafted at Daum's (Croismare, Nancy) stu...
Brass
Art Deco Brass and Glass Chandelier
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Very elegant brass and glass Art Deco chandelier. Seven lights pendant with shaped arms that hold round glass discs. Nice brass p...
Brass
French Art Deco Frosted Art Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely Art Deco ceiling light fixture with high relief glass globe with beautiful detailing, patinated brass frame, France 1930-1939....
Brass, Metal
Wonderful French Art Deco Frosted Floral Design Glass Brass Degué Chandelier
By Degué
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Art Deco frosted faint yellow tone floral design glass brass hardware chandelier 3-light fixture in the manner of Degué.
Brass
Art Deco Ceiling Light in Glass and Chrome, Belgium, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wonderful and decorative and pendant light in chrome and frosted glass.Designed and made in Belgium from circa 1930s. The chandelier is fully working and in very good vintage condi...
Chrome
Art Deco Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco opaline glass chandelier. Diameter 40 cm. Total height: 60 cm.
Brass
Art Deco Brass and Glass Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco glass and brass chandelier. Measures: Diameter 70 cm. Height fixture 67 cm. Total height including the chain 130 cm.
Brass
Art Deco Flush Mount, Germany 1930s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This Art Deco flush mount was designed any manufactured in Germany in the 1930s. The light features a flared silhouette and tiered, geometric contour...
Metal