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).
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame Germany, C.1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Britannia metal Photograph Frame, Germany C.1900, WMF. Ref No 90 page 304 WMF 1906 catalogue. WMF marks B 1/0 beehive B and...
$9,500
H 4.25 in W 5.25 in L 9 in
Antique German Figural Renaissance Revival Solid Silver Table Box or Casket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Renaissance Revival table box or casket. In solid silver (likely 800 fine). Likely by Gebrüder Neumann or Storck & Sinsheimer of Hanau, Germany. (Storck & Sinsh...
Silver
$1,250
H 5.25 in W 3.38 in D 2.5 in
Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3311 - entitled the "Ripple" frame. Comprising a one-piece, welded ease...
Silver Plate
$1,250Sale Price|50% Off
Rare Early 1900s Sterling Silver European Sapphire Cabochon Cigarette Case
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Magnificent European Sterling Silver Antique Cigarette Case Possibly English or Rus...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Antique 18th Century Diptych Pocket Sundial and Compass by German Beringer
Located in Firenze, IT
With hinged gnomon, hour ring and latitude arc, silvered compass rose with two inset bubble levels, raised on three levelling screws, in velvet lined and shaped leather covered case,...
Brass
$808Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau German Sunflower Cigarette Case
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful and rare antique German silver cigarette case with a sunflower repoussé and scrolling foliage decoration, with the name Dorothy engraved on the front. Dating to around 1...
$1,280Sale Price|55% Off
Boucheron Antique Miniature Oil Painting Set in a Silver Desk Frame Paris c 1870
By Boucheron
Located in Aspen, CO
Frederic Boucheron small ornate frame holding a fine miniature oil painting. Probably designed by Jules Debut, a major designer for Boucheron in th...
Silver
A German Stockert Pattern Fruitwood Diptych Pattern Pocket Sundial
Located in Firenze, IT
A German Stockert pattern fruitwood diptych pattern pocket sundial signed, early 19th century The upper leaf with central column printed with eight positions for the string gnomen fr...
$1,045
W 0.91 in L 3.08 in
Antique Art Nouveau Desk Top Seal Fluorite Fluorspar Silver Iris Initials E M J
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unusual silver French desk top seal with a chunky violet fluorite handle has been handcrafted in 1895 ca. The fluorite fluorspar is set in a silver mount and decorated with iris...
Fluorite, Silver
$552Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.94 in W 1.1 in
c. 1890-1900 Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Wax Seal with Muse Figure
Located in Honolulu, HI
A masterpiece of late 19th-century craftsmanship. This wax seal features an exquisite Art Nouveau Muse figure sculpted in fine sterling silver. The intricate detailing on the woman’s...
Sterling Silver
$2,850
H 13.5 in W 10 in D 0.63 in
Large Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Picture or Photo Frame with Engraved Cows
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique photo frame signed Cartier. In sterling silver. Engraved with 2 cows to the top. (Likely done a inscription of endearment!) With a robust easel back stand. Simply ...
Sterling Silver
$10,990Sale Price|30% Off
H 3 in Dm 2 in
A Rare Austrian Art Nouveau Silver and Enamel Owl Seal by Georg Adam Scheid
By Georg Adam Scheid
Located in Long Island City, NY
Charming and Rare Austrian Art Nouveau Silver and Enamel Owl Seal by Georg Adam Scheid. A rare and enchanting work of Viennese decorative art, this early 20th-century Austrian silve...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Art Nouveau Flower Silver Seal Initials A B
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Art Nouveau desktop seal is engraved with the ligated initials A and B. Around the handle is a typical Art Nouveau entwined flower and leaf motive. The...
Silver