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).
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
$2,750Sale Price|21% Off
Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter Mirror, Germany C.1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts and ...
$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 0.99 in W 1.19 in L 1.42 in
Rare Matthew Linwood Gilt Georgian English Sterling Silver Seashell Form Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare antique English Georgian sterling silver box. In the rare figural form of a snail shell or seashell. The interior of the box is gilt. It was made by Matthew Linwood...
Sterling Silver
$437
W 2.5 in D 0.38 in L 2.5 in
Vintage Gucci Sterling Silver Rhinestone Mirror Powder Compact #16521
By Gucci
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage sterling silver mirror powder compact by Gucci. Beautiful textured design featuring red and blue rhinetstones and an etched sho...
Sterling 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
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
$540
H 4.63 in W 8.08 in D 0.99 in
Rare 1923 Harrods London Sterling Silver Vanity Manicure Nail Kit Set Suite
By Harrods
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Harrods London 1923 fully hallmarked Sterling Silver manicure set A...
Sterling Silver
$3,376
H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Crystal Zirconia Tiara Crown Marquise Design Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconia. Wow!...
Crystal
$13,712
W 3.15 in L 5.56 in
Gustave-Roger Sandoz, Rare Art Deco Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case, circa 1925
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping still available during Lockdown Gustave-Roger Sandoz Cigarette Case, Circa 1925 Silver with Enamel geometric decoration on both sides. The clasp set with a cabochon...
Onyx, 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
Vintage Silver Plated Cartier Les Must Lighter in Box 1970s
By Cartier
Located in DELFT, NL
Founded in 1847, Cartier quickly established itself as a master of high-quality craftsmanship, entrancing both royalty and luminaries with its timeless sophistication and meticulous ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Judith Leiber Bedazzled Compact Mirror
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Vintage Judith Leiber Bedazzled Compact Mirror is a luxurious, iconic piece of accessory history that combines high-end craftsmanship with the glitz and glamour of rhinestones and ...
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
WMF Box Jugendstil Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver plate Jewellery Box, Germany, C.1900. The box of rectangular shape on four turned stylised supports, conforming in style to cornices and decoration of sides and concave dome...
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate Hand Mirror, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate Hand Mirror, Germany C.1906. Wonderful Maiden flowing hair design to reverse, stylised foliate tendril surround to border of front mirror. Ful...
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...