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).
| Average Sold Price |
| $691 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Art Deco WMF Jewelry Box with key around 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco WMF Jewelry Box with key around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled With key
Brass
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Mi...
Metal
$900
H 12.25 in W 15.75 in D 11.75 in
Jugendstil Sea Horse Planter by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oxidized copper (green sections). Chased and hammered. Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance and we do not ship uninsured. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Shortly before the foundation of WMF, Daniel Straub had founded his first manufacturing company, Maschinenfabrik Geislingen, in connection with his participation in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, the steepest railway line in Europe at the time. As experienced metal spinners, the brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer were able to contribute their technical expertise to the project. Most early designs for the company looked to past historical styles although early recognition of the quality of its products included the award of a Gold Medal at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. The company showroom, established in Berlin in 1868, was its first retailing outlet and marked the beginnings of a rapid development in scale. By 1880, when the company merged with Ritter & Co. to form the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the company employed about 200 and had a range of nearly 1,000 products, many of them electroplated. In the late 19th century the company was also involved in architectural decoration, ornaments for the home and replicas of works of art and archaeology, including the reproduction of Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous early Italian Renaissance doors...
Brass, Copper
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece This rare vintage bowl is a stunning example of Bauhaus – German Art Deco from the 1930s. Crafted from silver-plated brass, ...
Silver Plate, Enamel
Wilhelm Wagenfeld "Turmalin" Vases, 1950
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful vases from the 'Turmalin' series by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, blown and cold cut-glass vases, marked. Priced individually.
Blown Glass
WMF Art Nouveau Aperitif Serving Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau aperitif server or pin tray, circa 1900. Silver-plated metal with ginkgo biloba leaf decoration, handle decorated with a woman. Stamped WMF. In very good condition. Note ...
Silver Plate
Rare Silver Plated Bauhaus Art Deco Shell Bowl by WMF Ikora, Germany 1930s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: silver plated shell element Producer: WMF, Germany (marked with the wmf ikora signature) AGE: 1930s Description: Wonderful art deco element designed and produced ...
Metal
Huge WMF Tin Silver Plated Art Nouveau Vase
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Huge WMF tin silver plated Art Nouveau vase with female figure and putto.
Silver Plate, Pewter
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $691 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $148-$2,975 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
