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).
$875Sale Price|27% Off
WMF Photograph Frame C.1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF large pewter oval photograph frame C.1910. Relief decorated with a band of roses within a border of overlapping leaves, WMF marks to reverse and B O/X ...
Other
$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
Bownite and Enamel Fabergé Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A jewelled gold-mounted bowenite and enamel frame, Fabergé, Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, before 1899, the circular bowenite frame centred by translucent mauve bezel with applied ...
Diamond, Other, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Vintage Raimond Sterling Silver Double Diptych 8x10 Frame
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Raimond Sterling Silver Double Diptych 8x10 Frame Marked RAIMOND STERLING Each picture opening is 8x10 Silver shows patina/wear typical with age
Sterling Silver
Faberge Lilac Enamel and Yellow Gold Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge gold and enamel frame, the frame comprising an oval glass photograph pane with yellow gold surround, within a rectangular frame exquisitely laid with a fine lilac enamel...
Yellow Gold
Antique Rabbit Baby Rattle Signed WMF Silver Plate Celluloid
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This charming Art Deco baby rattle was created in the 1920's. It is designed as a rabbit sitting quietly with its ears down. The rabbit has two little balls inside his hollow body. I...
Silver Plate
$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
Sterling Silver Mesh Purse with Hand Engraved Frame, circa 1900s
Located in Princeton, NJ
Sterling silver mesh purse with hand engraved frame. Circa 1900's
Sterling Silver
Cartier Apple Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame Sterling Silver
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame in an Apple Motif. The frame is signed Cartier and is a fabulous Mid-Century Modern piece of vintage Cartier. I l...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Emerald & Diamond Studded Floral Motif Photo Frame In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This ornate photo frame combines the richness of emeralds and the brilliance of diamonds in an intricate floral motif. Crafted with a blend of gold and silver, it serves as both a fu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 10k Gold, Rhodium, Silver
$3,837Sale Price|20% Off
TIFFANY Studios Art Nouveau Bronze "Slag Glass" frame
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Braintree, GB
Tiffany Studios Art Nouveau Bronze "Slag Glass" Table Calendar. Circa 1910, Made in New York by Louis C. Tiffany. Weight: 401 grams Dimensions - Heig...
Bronze
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
W 6 in L 8 in
Victorian Oval Gemstone & Diamond Photo Frame in 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This Victorian-style oval photo frame combines timeless charm with precious detailing. Crafted in a blend of 14k gold and silver, it features intricate gemstone accents, including ru...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver
$500Sale Price|50% Off
W 5 in D 0.5 in L 6 in
English Silver Estate Kitney & Co Silversmith Rococo Hammered Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Monumental Kitney and Co. Silversmith Silver Photo Frame having fine scrolling detail. Taken out of a Several Million Dollar New York Cit...
Silver
Art Nouveau Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906.The frame of stylised jugendstil form, the bottom section of pierced gothic like panels, the upper section wit...
WMF Frame Jugendstil, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design pewter frame of horizontal rectangular shape with elongated open panel triangular panel lowe...
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design pewter frame of horizontal rectangular shape with ...
Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF C.1906. The frame of stylised jugendstil form, the bottom section of pierced gothic like panels, the upper section with cut pierced geometric style design, silver plated easel...
W.M.F Art Nouveau Silver Plate Frame, Germany, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
W.M.F Art Nouveau Silver Plate Frame, Germany C.1910. The Frame of large oval shape, decorated with stylised plumage and rosette design with vacant cartouche, centering an oval compa...
Rare W.M.F Art Nouveau Double Frame, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare W.M.F Art Nouveau double frame, Germany C.1900. The silvered metal frame depicting a maiden in the centre holding a floral branch, the surround of stylised celtic design. Origin...
1905 WMF Germany Rare Design Art Nouveau Frame
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare Art Nouveau Frame, WMF Germany C.1905. No 18A. The frame of wonderful three dimension depicting graceful sinuous stylised female with flowing h...
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design frame of horizontal rectangular shape on arts and crafts rivet...
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil silver plate Photograph Frame, Germany C.1900, WMF. Ref No 90 page 304 WMF 1906 catalogue. WMF marks. Overall measurements: 8 3/4 x 5 3/4". Photograph meas...
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau silver plate Photograph Frame, WMF Germany C.1906. The Frame, secessionist and art nouveau design with open stylised berries. Illustrated WMF 1906 Catalogue, page 305 No ...
W.M.F Art Nouveau Jugendstil Photograph Frame C.1906.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
W.M.F Art Nouveau Jugendstil pewter photograph frame, WMF C.1906. The frame of stylised festoon and medallion design, upper vacant cartouche accented with pierced panels. Interior me...