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).
Antique XL Silver Plated Tray with engraved surface, Austria 1930s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant Austrian Art Deco serving tray executed in silver-plated metal, dating from the 1930s. The tray features a beautifully pierced gallery with a...
Metal
Late Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Centerpiece or fruit bowl, Germany 1910s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a refined early 20th-century silver-plated centerpiece bowl, distinguished by its elegant proportions and richly detailed surface decoration. The circu...
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Serving Platter by Franco Lapini, depicting a boar and acorns
By Franco Lapini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking Hollywood Regency silver-plated centerpiece or serving platter designed by Franco Lapini. It features a central sculpture of a seated boar, s...
Metal
Antique Silver Centeriece - Basket with the crystal bowl, Germany 1900s
By Gebrüder Deyhle
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning centerpiece shaped as a basket. It is done in silver with rich floral ornaments on the rim, and a crystal bowl in it. The piece was made by G...
Crystal, Silver
Monumental Silver Plated Covered Serving Platter Resting Stag by Teghini Firenze
By Teghini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Serving Platter manufactured in limited edition by Teghini Firenze. Fonderia D’Arte Teghini, Firenze, produced sophisticated, high quality hand crafted items with limited runs in Florence, Italy throughout the 1960s and 1970s. An impactful, oversized statement piece for the table or sideboard. The dome is formed as a recumbent stag with sand-cast antlers...
Silver Plate, Brass
French Art Nouveau gilt bronze epergne with engraved crystal bowls, 1900s
By Baccarat
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant and finely executed Art Nouveau epergne centerpiece, crafted in France circa 1900, combining a richly cast gilt bronze base with exceptional ...
Crystal, Bronze
Large Viennese Austria Silver Art Nouveau Tray by Würbel & Czokally, Around 1900
By Wurbel & Szokally
Located in Vienna, AT
Octagonal shaped silver tray in a smooth, simple design with raised, flared edge with circumferential palmette band, extension of the edge piece on the broad sides by incised handles...
Silver
Silver 800 Austria Art Nouveau Serving Platter by H. Südfeld
By Hermann Südfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
AUSTRIAN SILVER EXCELLENT SERVING PLATTER VIENNA Art Nouveau / made circa 1910 Length 20.86 inches Most elegant oval Silver Art Nouveau Serving Platter of gorgeous appearance. The platter's middle area has smooth surface / its edge is decorated with excellent ornaments: Nicest flower's blossoms (= tulips) with leaves and wreaths consisting of leaves as well as bound together with a decorative bow are visible on platter's edged areas. Mentioned ornaments were made by technique of chasing works. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ MADE CIRCA 1910 SILVER 800 branded by AUSTRIAN SO-SAID DIANA'S HEAD MARK 1872 - 1922 Master’s sign existing: It is sign of master HERMANN SÜDFELD (H.S), Vienna, who got approbation in year 1883. It is a well-known Viennese Silver Manufactory (once founded in year 1835 before H.Südfeld took over direction of business), having produced various items for noble household (= vanity sets, coffee and mocha sets...
Silver
WMF Art Nouveau Plate
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
WMF Art Nouveau plate silver plated brass Germany about 1900-1910
Silver Plate, Brass
Art Nouveau Period Sterling Silver Tray England 1893
Located in New York, NY
A fine Art Nouveau period sterling silver tray from England. With English fine silver hallmarks: Crown, lion, date letter and Makers mark: W&H in a flag (Walker & Hall, Sheffield)
Silver
Large Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Silver Tray
Located in New York, NY
Large Austrian Art Nouveau 800 silver tray, ca 1900. Rectangular well with canted corners; wide shoulder with serpentine and whiplash molded rim. Embossed ornament: water lily pads s...
Silver
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
