WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
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).
1920s European Art Deco Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Silver Plate
Early 1900s Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Other
Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
1970s Swiss Art Deco Vintage WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French Baroque WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
18k Gold, Gold Plate
1990s American WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
1990s Italian WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century French Baroque WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Rhodium, Silver
Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century German WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Italian Retro WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
1990s French Retro WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Enamel
Late 20th Century Italian Retro WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
18k Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Asian Art Deco WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Vanity Items
