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).
Big Tray, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, German We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button t...
Metal
$530
H 9.06 in W 24.02 in D 13.78 in
Luigi Massoni Minimalist Plastic White Bed Tray Element by Guzzini, Italy, 1980s
By Luigi Massoni, Guzzini
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Plastic tray Design: Luigi Massoni Producer: Guzzini, Italy Decade: 1980s Description: This tray table was designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Guzzini in Italy in the 1980s. It is made from white-colored plastic and is in very good vintage condition, and would be ideal to serve breakfast in bed. It still features the original Guzzini box...
Plastic
$744Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.79 in W 23.04 in D 14.49 in
Hollywood Regency Italian Tray in Brass Faux Bamboo and Fumè Glass, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
A splendid midcentury golden serving tray, in brass faux bamboo and fumè glass. This vintage tray is made in Italy, and datable between the 1960s and the 1970s; a functional serving ...
Brass
$3,200
H 2.25 in W 26.5 in D 17.75 in
English Mahogany Oval Inlaid Serving Tray with Brass Side Handles. Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany oval serving tray with flanking bulbous brass handles, scalloped molded border, centered satinwood conch shell, and intricately intertwined satinwood inlaid ribbon, ...
Brass
$2,250
H 2.5 in W 26 in D 16.25 in
Large-Scaled, Finely Inlaid George III Victorian Mahogany Oval Butler's Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
A Large Victorian period George III style Inlaid Mahogany two handle galleried oval tray. Solid brass handles. Good antique condition with patina. Measures 26" in width, 16.25" in d...
Brass
$765
H 1.58 in W 13 in D 9.85 in
Barovier Mirror-Engraved Murano Glass w/ Gold Italian Serving Tray, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous tiny rectangular-shaped serving tray in a stunning combination of mouth-blown Murano glass with 24k gold specks inside, acid-etched mirrored glass, and gilt metal handles. ...
Gold Plate, Brass
$2,120 / item
H 2.37 in W 16.93 in D 12.21 in
Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Stainless Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
By Lusitanus Home, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Serving Tray Sakai, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. A sublime serving tray, Sakai was design to uplift layback moments. An organic-sha...
Marble, Stainless Steel
WMF Jugendstil Silver Plated Egg and Salt Serving Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional quality WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) German Jugendstil silver plated egg cup stand with salt and original spoon dating...
Silver Plate
$1,875
H 2.5 in W 26 in D 16.25 in
A Large, Finely Inlaid George III Victorian Mahogany Oval Butler's Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
A Large Victorian period George III Style Inlaid Mahogany Two Handle Galleried Oval Tray. Solid brass handles. Good antique condition with patina. Measures 24.5" in width, 14.50" in ...
Brass
French, Tôle Tray with Hand-Painted Bouquet of Roses and Pierced Gallery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French round tôle tray from the 20th century with hand-painted décor depicting a bouquet of roses, and pierced gallery. Created in France during the 20th century, this tôle tray fe...
Tôle
$280Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 4.5 in W 19.25 in D 13.85 in
Postmodern Design Glass and Wood Tray by Thor, 1996
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern design glass and wood serving tray with handles by Thor, 1996. One side is gold leaf and the other is purple.
Glass, Wood
Jugendstil Pewter Pitcher, Germany, Early 1900
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil Pewter pitcher is an original decorative object realized in the first years of the 20th century. Original pewter with braided w...
Pewter
$3,734
H 8.39 in W 11.7 in D 8.67 in
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate Centerpiece Card Tray, Germany, c. 1910
By Albert Mayer, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
A beautiful art nouveau Jugendstil silver plate centerpiece card tray or tazza of a nymph holding a dove, made by WMF in Germany c. 1910. This is one of the most iconic pieces of ...
Silver Plate