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 Jugendstil W.M.F. Silver Plated Punch Bowl or Tureen with a Hunt Scene
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine German Jugendstil punch bowl or tureen (or "Bowle" in German). By W.M.F., the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. In silver plate. With a three-dimensional depiction of Dia...
Silver Plate
Set of Four Victorian Silver Salt Cellars
Located in London, GB
A set of four Victorian silver salt cellars, each designed as scallop shell bearing chased leaf decorations in the rim, with gold gilt interior and foliate design base, made by Danie...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Portuguese Goblet Cup solid 833 Silver / 173 gr
Located in SE
Antique Portuguese Silver Cup, thick walled, with continuous cast floral ornaments and well preserved internal gilding. This cup has a set of small sized conventional Portuguese ha...
Gold Plate, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Leaf Bowl and Matching Leaf Nut Dishes
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Tiffany & Co. Makers mid-century footed leaf bowl serving dish (one) and five matching individual nut dishes. Elevate your holiday events and dinner parties with this six piece set ...
Sterling Silver
1851 Antique Imperial Russian Cup 84 Silver / 92gr
Located in SE
Handsome antique Russian Empire 84 Silver Cup with delicate ornamental floral engraving and internal gilding. This piece has hallmarks on the bottom part that indicate that this pie...
Silver
$2,000
H 3.39 in Dm 2.76 in
1779 Antique Tsarist Imperial Russian Cup solid 84 Sterling Silver / 102 gr
Located in SE
Handsome 245-year-old Russian solid Silver cup with continuous cast or impressed / hammered floral & tassels decorations. Period : reign of Catherine the Great ( 1762 to 1796 )...
Sterling Silver
$600 / set
H 3.55 in W 16.93 in Dm 1.7 in
1891 - 1894 Two Antique Russian Vodka Shots Beakers 84 Silver / 69 grams
Located in SE
Handsome pair of antique Russian Imperial period 84 Silver shots / glass / silver beakers, jiggers or Stopkas / Стопка ! from same period in similar designs of likely same maker made...
Silver
Hermès Porcelain Trinket Bowl
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Porcelain trinket bowl with a waterlily decoration. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 15 cm x 11 cm Seller Reference: ACC244
1764 Antique Tsarist Imperial Russian Vodka Shot solid 84 Silver / 23 gr
Located in SE
Handsome 261 -year-old Russian solid 84 Silver Vodka shot with continuous cast or impressed / hammered floral decorations in style very popular in Russia of that time. Period : re...
Silver
$725 / set
Dm 1.38 in L 3.55 in
1887 Two Antique Russian 84 Sterling Silver Vodka Shots Beakers Jiggers /65grams
Located in SE
Handsome pair of random antique Russian Imperial period Sterling Silver shots / glass / silver beakers , jiggers or Stopkas / Стопка ! Volume ca. 10 milliliters each. In early XX cen...
Silver
Pomellato Sterling Silver Thermos with Blue Rhodoid, Italy Circa 2000
By Pomellato
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Italy, c. 2000 Rhodoid plastic, sterling silver, glass liner 11.75 h x 3.75 dia in (30 x 10 cm) Has bottom compartment to add ice. Stamped 925, Pomellato, *469 MI on the bottom and...
Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Fish Bottle Openers with Abalone Shell and Alpaca Silver
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Set of three matching abalone fish botte openers with knives. Bodies are completely overlaid with abalone shell in lovely swirling colors of silver, purple, blue, green, and black. Fish are stylized with comically large white and black eyes and thin bodies. Attached to each tail is a dagger point fruit or spreading knife...
Silver
Thomas Wimbush Sterling Silver Leaded Glass Antique English Flask
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Gentleman's Sterling Silver and Leaded Glass Antique English Flask. Six inches tall with removable bottom to form a cup. Measures 6 x 3 x 1 inches. In ...
Sterling Silver