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).
Collection of Fourteen 19th Century French Copper Egg Poacher or Escargot Pans
Located in Haarlem, NL
Lovely decorative set of fourteen antique copper escargot or egg poach pans. Hand-hammered copper, tin lined with hand cast brass handles. I'm told they ...
Brass, Copper
Set of Two 1960s French Christofle Silver Plated Bronze Beets or Radishes Vases
By Christofle
Located in Haarlem, NL
Vintage 1960s Christofle silver plated bronze radish bud vases also know as soliflore or solifleur as you could put one flower in them. But they also could be used as small candle ho...
Bronze
1940s Belgian MCM Art-Deco Liquor Pear Cellar with Vaseline Carafe and 6 glasses
Located in Haarlem, NL
Pretty 1940s Belgian Mid Century Modern pear shaped stainless steel liquor cellar with a CVC Belgium Art-Deco uranium (or vaseline) glass carafe and 6 coloured glasses inside The holder is removable so in the bottom half of the pear you could easily also store ice cubes. Or put ice cubes under the holder to make sure your shot glasses are ice cold! The carafe and two of the six glasses are made of green uranium glass...
Stainless Steel
19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Clover or quartreform shaped mid-19th century Chinese canton export tea caddy in gold lacquered wood on a black background. Decorated with palace scenes...
Pewter
Early 1900s French Neoclassical Oval Brass Jewellery Box with Agate Moth Decor
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very pretty and heavy early 1900s Neo-Classical oval brass jewellery box with 2 moth decorations carved in agate. The figures on the (I think machine made repoussé) side look like from Roman times. The middle-eastern little tent shaped lid feels very Moorish, also the round glass 'gem stone' decorations look like the decoration on antique Moorish jewellery...
Agate, Brass
1950s Italian Murano Blue Cased Glass Ormolu Set in Veritable Opaline de Murano
Located in Haarlem, NL
1950s set of three blue opaline glass items. Made in Italy The bright blue milk, opaline or cased glass is heavy and thick, all items have a decorative orm...
Brass
Vintage Wallace bunch silverplated bowl with 19 cups, tray and laddle
By Wallace Silversmiths
Located in Birmingham, AL
This is a vintage Wallace Harvest silver-plated punch bowl set, which includes the punch bowl, a large ornate tray, and several cups. The set features an elaborate grapevine and lea...
Silver
Mid Century Vintage Silver Plate Bowl Set with 18 Cups, Rococo Style
Located in Birmingham, AL
Design & Pattern: The set features an ornate, classic European style with a distinctive scalloped, wavy rim decorated with molded grapevine and trailing grape clusters along the ...
Silver Plate
A Silver Gilt Engraved Bowl and Matching Cover, Augsburg circa 1700
Located in New York, NY
A superb example of late 17th to early 18th-century German silverwork, this magnificent silver-gilt covered bowl was crafted in Augsburg circa 1700 by the accomplished silversmith Jo...
Silver
Vintage Tableware Set, English, Silver Plate, Mustard Pot, Pepperette, Mid 20thC
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage tableware set. An English, silver plate mustard pot and pepperette, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Charming...
Silver Plate
Silver, Gold Vermeil and Gilt Bronze Jardinière, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver, gold vermeil and gilt bronze jardinière, France, late 19th century. With silver marks. Interior in gilt bronze.
Vermeil, Silver, Bronze
19th Century Set of Sixteen Spanish Sterling Silver Dishes with Bowl Attached
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing a remarkable set of sixteen Spanish Sterling silver dishes, each thoughtfully designed with an attached portion cup. These exquisite pieces are crafted from Spanish 915 s...
Sterling Silver
