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).
1970s Clear and Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite Vanity Box in the manner Of Dior Home
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A glamorous 1970s vanity or utility box, crafted from a striking combination of clear and faux tortoiseshell Lucite/acrylic, designed in the elegant manner of pieces by Dior Home or ...
Lucite, Plexiglass
1980s Modern Clear Plexiglass and Silver Plate Italian Design Square Box
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Square Box designed and manufactured in Italy embodies the sleek, minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the era's design trends. Constructed from silver plated and clear plexiglass, a durable and transparent thermoplastic material known for its versatility and contemporary appeal, the box exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The transparency of the plexiglass allows for a clear view of the contents inside, adding a layer of functionality to its stylish design. The addition of silver plating along the edges or accents of the box enhances its visual appeal, offering a touch of luxury and refinement. The combination of clear plexiglass and silver plate creates a striking contrast, adding depth and interest to the overall design. The square shape of the box reflects the geometric simplicity favored during the 1980s, emphasizing clean lines and symmetry. Its compact size makes it ideal for storing small items or serving as a decorative accent piece on a desk, shelf, or tabletop. Designed and crafted in Italy, a country renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship and design innovation, this square box exemplifies the excellence and attention to detail synonymous with Italian design. It has normal signs of use and age visible on the photos. The box is on the style of Gucci Vintage home...
Silver Plate
1970s Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass and Brass Italian Luxury Box by Cavinato
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Chic 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Luxury Box by Ulderico Cavinato Milano An exquisite piece of high-end Italian decorative arts, this luxury box was designed by Ulderico Cavinato...
Brass
1980s Modernist Heavy Glass and Silver Plate Square Italian Tray
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An Italian Design square tray, it's marked on a side, silver plated and heavy verde Nilo glass are in perfect conditions, the silver plated detachable part facilitates cleaning the item. This tray is a unique and elegant piece of serveware that is perfect for entertaining or displaying items...
Silver Plate
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This italian Vanity Box encapsulates the exuberance and style of its era, offering a compelling synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal. It serves as both a practical stora...
Silver
1980s Christian Dior Style Modernist Brass and Plexiglass Italian Jewelry Box
By Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An elegant brass and plexiglass designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties, it's in lovely condition. the jewelry box is characterized by use of high-quality materials, geome...
Brass
Art Deco Revival Transparent Box by WMF Germany, 1970s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish plexiglass and silver-plate box by WMF in Germany. Made during the 1970s and art deco revival in style. Suitable for jewelry, vanity purposes or as a small tobacco humidor....
Silver Plate
Silver-Plated Metal Geometric Design Curio Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This mirror finish silver-plate curio box with velvet interior shows markings of "70k" to interior.
Silver Plate
Modernist Decorative Box by Debladis Paris, Silver Plate and Lucite
By Atelier Moderne d’Orfèvrerie.
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative box, designed by French silversmith Debladis Paris, exudes sophistication and elegance. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1960. Its sleek, long ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Willy Rizzo Style Ice Effect Lucite vanity box, Italy, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stunning 1970s Italian lucite jewelry box with a captivating ice-effect finish, inspired by the iconic style of Willy Rizzo. This exquisite piece blends vintage charm with sophistica...
Lucite
1970s Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s Decorative Box Lucite and chrome decorative box. Italy, circa 1970 W. 17,5 cm, D. 10,8 cm, H.4,5 cm
Chrome
Geometric Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Philippe Cheverny Style
By Philippe Cheverny
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant, diamond-shaped, decorative, lidded box features a design reminiscent of Philippe Cheverny's work. Crafted circa 1970, this stunning decorative piece boasts a geometric ...
Metal, Chrome
