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).
Large German Silver-Plated Hanging Lantern by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
Large German silver-plated hanging lantern by WMF German, c.1920 Height 90cm, diameter 24cm Consisting of a round pointed gadrooned finial suspended by curb chains and surmounte...
Silver Plate
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
Hanging Lantern
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A hanging lantern of faceted, tapering form with a stepped, pagoda-like top and glazed sides. The lantern is constructed with angular panes set within a darkened metal framework and ...
Metal
Brass & Glass Hanging Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant 20th-century Italian brass lantern showcasing classic European refinement and timeless form. This striking one-light fixture features a gracefully tapered square frame, be...
Brass
Medium Hanging Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
Medium hanging iron lantern, wired and ready for installation. Origin: France Measurements: 24" W x 37" H.
Iron
Pair of Silver Plated Lanterns, Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1950's English, Neoclassic Style silver-plated lanterns with glass insets. Sold individually. Measurements Current drop: 60" Diameter: 28"
Bronze
Chanteloup Lantern Light by David Duncan, Hanging Lantern
By David Duncan
Located in New York, NY
The Chanteloup Lantern by David Duncan Lighting. This artisan crafted, six-sided hanging lantern has been designed in an elegant style. The Chanteloup Lantern features a geometric ga...
Brass
Acorn Lantern in Silver Plated Brass
By Vica, Annabelle Selldorf
Located in New York, NY
The Acorn lantern is made of silver-plated brass with an enclosed light source that provides a soft glow. The lantern is illuminated by LEDs and powered by 2 AA batteries (not incl...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern White and Red Dotted Hanging Lantern, Germany, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Mid-Century Modern white and red dotted hanging lantern, Germany, 1950s This charming Mid-Century Modern pendant lantern was produced in Germany during the 1950s and captures the pl...
Metal
Large Geometric Pentagon Hanging Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large geometric pentagon hanging lantern, Circa 1920 design. Adjustable rod, textured glass panes, matching canopy. One pane is in fact removable for easy access to a single or doub...
Brass
Hanging Lantern
By Boston and Sandwich Glass Company
Located in New York, NY
American (glass attributed to Boston and Sandwich Glass Company, Sandwich, Massachusetts), circa 1830-1840. Glass, blown, partially frosted, and wheel cut, with cast and die-rolled brass, patinated. This hanging lamp is typical of the production of such lanterns by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company of Sandwich, Massachusetts, during the 1830s, and perhaps as late as the early 1840s. The present example is an unusually elaborate specimen with its overall frosting and cutting. In their The Glass Industry in Sandwich, II (1989), Raymond E. Barlow and Joan E. Kaiser quote Boston & Sandwich Glass Company manager Deming Jarves on the fabrication of lamps of this general type (p. 225 no. 2398). These hanging lanterns could be supplied with a candle or with a peg lamp...
Brass
Set of Silver Plated Lanterns.Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 circa 1920's English silver-plated lantern with original finish. Sold individually. Measurements: Minimum Drop: 30" Diameter: 14"
Glass
Hammered Pierced Silver Plated Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A hammered brass Moroccan lantern with pierced metal body, circa 1960s. Measurements: Diameter: 10" Height: 20"
Brass