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).
Cat Glass Centerpiece, Vintage Decorative Art, 1980
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
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 that reads 'View All ...
Glass
2 Wall Plates WMF, German, 1909 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Signatures Bee-Hive: The so-called 'bee-hive' mark was introduced on the 1st July 1909 at the express wish of the French customs authorities: all WMF articles, even the smallest, wer...
Silver Plate
2 Wall Plates WMF, German, 1909 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 wall plates WMF Sign: WMF: Signature used since 1880 for silver-plated metal items. B: OX: Oxidized. The printed decoration is blackened with a potassium sulfide solution, and the ...
Silver Plate
Pair of W.M.F. Plaques Signed Albert Mayer, Art Nouveau Period, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Albert Mayer
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. plaques signed Albert Mayer (1867-1944). Art Nouveau period, Germany, circa 1900.
Metal
Art Nouveau WMF Copper Wall Plate with Floral Relief, Germany circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking copper wall plate was crafted by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) around 1900, during the height of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. The design fe...
Metal, Copper
WMF. A pair of brass wall plaques embossed with a lady's and gentleman's heads
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF, a pair of brass wall plaques, the centres embossed with a lady's and gentleman's heads within running strawberry borders.
Brass
$1,034Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.9 in W 59.85 in D 0.2 in
Vintage Decorative Wall Panel, Middle Eastern, Textile Frieze, Sequins, C.1980
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative wall panel. A Middle Eastern, ornate textile frieze with sequins and faux gemstones, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Eye-catching panel with great colour and highlights Displays a desirable aged patina throughout Issuing multiple fascinations, with distinct decorative sections Sequins and faux gemstones in a myriad of colours glisten in the light Nine metal hoops to upper edge for ease of wall hanging This is a distinctive vintage wall panel...
Textile
$1,202
H 6.5 in W 3.94 in D 0.6 in
Wall Plaque with Wedgewood Medallion in frame with brass decorations
By Wedgewood
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Wall Plaque with Wedgewood Medallion in classic decor on a myroxylon balsamum frame with brass decorations. Probably England, Mid-19th Century. Wear consistent with age and...
Brass
$1,889
H 19.69 in W 11.82 in D 0.99 in
Glass and Stone Mosaic Abstract Wall Art Sculpture, by Han van Hattem 1964
Located in Den Haag, NL
Glass and Stone Mosaic abstract wall art sculpture, The Netherlands 1964, The Hague, By Han van Hattem Dated and Signed 1964.
Stone
Large Equestrian Embossed Copper Plaque
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A large equestrian embossed copper plaque. Rectangular plaque with the heads of three rearing horses, surrounded by meadow detail. Dimensions: H 55cm...
Copper
$2,126 / item
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco Large And Impressive Hand Crafted 'Bathing Ladies' Wall Plaque
Located in Devon, England
This is a super rare opportunity to acquire one of these beautifully reduced versions of 'bathing ladies' the original being located in the famous Paris ''HOTEL des Collectionneur. T...
Plaster
Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in New York, NY
Bezalel brass plaque depicting a Jewish elder next to the Western Wall, made in Jerusalem, circa 1920, bearing a small metal label engraved "Bezalel Jeru...
Brass
Italian Pietre Dure Panel of Parrot on Branch, Late 17th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The Pietre Dure panel inset with lapis lazuli, marmo giallo, in a rectangular shape, probably a panel from a cabinet.
Marble
Large Pedro Friedeberg Relief Sculpture/Wall Art, 1970s
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early and spectacular example. "Comprendtendo Mu" (I Understand) Acrylic, pen and Ink and carved wood. Signed, titled and dated 1970.
Acrylic
Ceramic Tile Wall Art Decoration from a Cat
By Tackoen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ceramic tile wall art decoration from a cat. Height 94 cm. Width 47 cm. Depth 3 cm.
Wood, Ceramic
Art Deco Pair of 'Folies Bergeres' Wall Plaques
Located in Devon, England
This is a super rare opportunity to acquire a pair of these beautifully reduced versions of the facade bas-relief of the Folies-Bergères cabaret. One time designer, Pico who created ...
Plaster
$1,740Sale Price|40% Off
H 19.5 in W 13 in D 1 in
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Vienna Art Nouveau Enamel Advertising Sign
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, domed, black, white & blue enameled Art Nouveau advertising plate. Designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905 for Wiener Werkstatte (founded by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser and Frit...
Metal, Enamel, Iron
Pair Art Nouveau Bronze Relief Wall Plaques
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of fine Art Nouveau / Jugendstyl gilt bronze relief wall plaques, with wonderful details, mounted in walnut frames. The reliefs depict Diana, ...
Bronze
German Majolica Hen & Chicks Wall Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
German Majolica Hen & Chicks wall plate, circa 1900.
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
$2,126 / item
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 1.19 in
Art Deco 'Folies Bergeres' Large Hanging Wall Plaque, French
Located in Devon, England
This is a super rare opportunity to acquire one of these beautifully reduced versions of the facade bas-relief of the Folies-Bergeres cabaret by Maurice Picaud aka Pico (1900-1977). ...
Plaster
Copper Relief, circa 1905
Located in Wien, Au
Copper Relief, circa 1905 Original condition
Copper