WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
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 Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary European WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Leather
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Silver
Early 20th Century British Edwardian WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Antler, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary European WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Leather
1910s German Edwardian Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Silver
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Silver
Early 20th Century Russian Baltic WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Silver, Enamel
20th Century American WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Antler, Pine
1890s British Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Paper
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Hardwood
19th Century English George IV Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass
