W.M.F Art Nouveau Cutlery Canteen
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 29.6 in (75.19 cm)Depth: 18.8 in (47.76 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa Early 20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3860114267981
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).
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: West Palm Beach , FL
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View All20th Century Centerpieces
Silver
20th Century Cabinets
Wood
20th Century Tableware
Silver
Antique 1890s Side Tables
Wood
Vintage 1930s Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 1860s Desk Sets
Wood
You May Also Like
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Tableware
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Tableware
Silver Plate
Height 58", Width 21 1/2", Depth 17 1/2".
The set consists of :-
11 large knives and 12 large forks.
11 smaller knives and 10 smaller forks.
12 large spoons and 12 smaller spoons.
12 Fish knives and 12 Fish forks.
10 teaspoons and 1 sugar sifting spoon.
12 knife rests.
2 salts with liner and 2 salt spoons.
1 carving knife and 1 carving fork.
1 large soup ladle and 1 gravy ladle.
1 large serving fish knife and 1 large serving fish fork.
1 large dessert serving spoon.
1 salad serving spoon with ebony spoon end
1 salad serving spoon with forked ebony spoon end.
See Grotkamp-Schepers, Barbara and Sanger, Reinhard W. 'Art Nouveau Knives, Forks and Spoons' Stuttgart 20001.p. 101, item 105 for this pattern.
See also Sotheby's 'Fine Decorative Arts from 1870', 5th October 2004, Lot 67, hammer price GBP 13,200 for a fitted canteen box...
Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Tableware
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century German Victorian Tableware
Silver Plate
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cabinets
Silver Plate
Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Centerpieces
Crystal, Metal
