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
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
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
Antique Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse Bag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
New, in its original box with tags, Antique Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse / Bag. Includes original care instructions from the maker. Popular in the 1920s & ear...
Other
Claude Lalanne, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, NY
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) a rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985, Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450. Measures: 4" high x 3.5" wide Great condition. Ready...
Bronze
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
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
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
$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
$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
Tiffany & Co. Antique Pearl Beads Comb, Gold Frame, 1900, USA
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Tiffany & Co Pearl Beads Comb Original Box, 1900 Very delicate item of its era. 1900. Originally obtained at the WA Bolin auction in Stockholm. Gold frame for pearls beads. No s...
Pearl, Gold
$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
$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
$60,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.5 in W 15 in D 3 in
Mellerio Paris, a Silver, Gold, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, and Hardstone Picture Frame
By Mellerio Paris
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mellerio Paris, A Large Silver, Gold, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, and Hardstone Picture Photo Frame with Two Falcons. France, circa 2000 The frame resting on a lapis lazuli base with ...
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Mesh Evening Bag With Emerald and Diamond Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is an exceedingly rare and coveted 18 Karat Gold Art Deco evening bag with a diamond and emerald frame. A testament to the opulent elegance of the early 20th century. This vintage mesh purse...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame is an enchanting keepsake designed to celebrate the joy of a new life. This round fram...
Sterling 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...