WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
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).
Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Copper
Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Early 20th Century German Jugendstil WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1910s German Edwardian Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
Early 1900s German Jugendstil Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Copper
19th Century French Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Late 19th Century German Jugendstil Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Horn, Ebony
Mid-19th Century European Baroque Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Leather
Late 19th Century Chinese Victorian Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
Early 19th Century British Victorian Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Horn, Ebony
Early 20th Century WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Carnelian, Silver
1910s German Rustic Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Antler
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Copper
20th Century German WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
Early 1900s German Jugendstil Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Copper
1880s German Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century German Egyptian Revival WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate