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Antique German Britannia Silver-Plated Metal Bowling Figure By WMF, Circa 1900
$443.04
£327.50
€370
CA$602.56
A$675.17
CHF 351.45
MX$8,259.62
NOK 4,461
SEK 4,213.36
DKK 2,817.37
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About the Item
This dainty figure was crafted around 1900 by WMF, short for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. Founded in 1853, this German firm continues to operate today. While historically best known for its high quality tableware and Art Nouveau designs, WMF also produced a variety of decorative objects, including figurative sculptures such as this one.
The piece depicts a man in a crouched position, poised to throw a bowling ball. One arm rests on his bent knee, while the other holds the ball firmly. His focused gaze suggests he is carefully planning his next move. He is dressed in typical late 19th to early 20th century attire, including breeches, with a feathered hat adding a touch of character and visual interest.
Bowling, particularly nine-pin and ten-pin variants, was a popular pastime during this period, especially in German-speaking countries, which likely inspired WMF’s depiction.
The figure stands atop a rectangular plinth with a rocky top. The back of the base is stamped ‘WMFB’, indicating both the manufacturer and the use of Britannia metal (an alloy of pewter and antimony). Additional marks include ‘I/O’ denoting standard thickness of silver plating or gilding, and ‘OX’ indicating the surface has been oxidised - a technique in which recessed areas are darkened while raised areas are polished to a matte sheen with a pumice.
Of fine quality and detailed craftsmanship, this decorative figure highlights the skill of WMF’s artists and makes an interesting addition to one’s collection of European metalwork.
- Creator:WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (Metalworker)
- Dimensions:Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 1.19 in (3 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1900
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very nice overall condition with age-related signs of use.
- Seller Location:Greven, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5419245211952
WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
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).
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