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).
Art Nouveau WMF Fairy With Dove, Lily Visiting Card Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
WMF Art Nouveau visiting card tray decorated with a fairy standing before two large lily leaves, holding a dove in her hands. Impressed maker's marks including the WMF in a square ma...
Silver Plate
Rene Lalique Glass 'Une Figurine et Fleurs' Plate
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique clear and frosted glass, 'Une Figurine et Fleurs' plate. Sepia stained details. This pattern features a naked female figure, surrounded by f...
Glass
Pair of Art Nouveau WMF Maiden Vases
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Art Nouveau WMF twin handled vases, featuring maidens wearing flowing dresses. The bottom of the dress forms the base. A flowering tree flows up from the base. Complete with ...
Metal
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Jumping Faun Lily Tray
By Wedgwood
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Lily Tray, shape number 2483. Decorated with 'Jumping Faun' pattern to interior, 'Flight of Birds' to exterior. 'Pebble and Grass' border to exterior rim an...
Pottery
Rene Lalique Opalescent Glass Campanules Plate
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique Opalescent Glass Campanules Plate. This pattern features a repeating pattern of bluebell flowers. The shape is 'coupe plate', which has a profile like a shallow dish. St...
Glass
Minton Secessionist No.5 Plate
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Mintons Secessionist No.5 plate. Turqoiuse, blue and orange ground, with green and brown tube lining. Stylised flower, in a typical Art Nouveau des...
Pottery
Sweet and Fruit Dishes, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, Sign WMF, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Sweet and Fruit Dishes, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, Sign WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate Centerpiece Card Tray, Germany, c. 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Albert Mayer
Located in London, GB
A beautiful art nouveau Jugendstil silver plate centerpiece card tray or tazza of a nymph holding a dove, made by WMF in Germany c. 1910. This is one of the most iconic pieces of ...
Silver Plate
Visiting card Tray, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our Argentina galleries are shipped directly to your address via air freight. • Simplified Customs Management: We handle the processing of export permits and the payment of customs duties. You will receive your purchase without additional paperwork or surprise costs. • High-Security Packaging: Following FedEx international standards, each piece is protected in custom-made wooden crates, designed to withstand 1-meter impacts and ensure the integrity of the object during transit. • Note for shipments to the USA: To comply with shipping company regulations and ensure delivery at the destination, a valid tax ID (EIN, SSN, or ITIN) is required. • Domestic US Shipping: For those pieces available in our United States storage, logistics are managed through 1stdibs. Personalized Restorations Our team of expert artisans offers restoration services tailored to your aesthetic preferences and design needs: • Cabinetry and Polishing: We perform polishing work on woods, allowing for transitions from light to dark tones (including deep black finishes). • Upholstery: We reupholster chairs and armchairs with fabrics or leathers of your choice, guaranteeing a high-quality finish. • Lighting: We adapt ceiling lamps by shortening smooth rods to adjust them to the height of your rooms. • Metal Treatment: * Restoration of chromed or silver-plated bronze pieces to their original state. o Chroming or silver-plating services for bronze objects. Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. Visiting card Tray...
Metal
Sweet and Fruit Dishes, France, Design: Charles Georges Ferville-Suan
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Double Fruit or Sweet Dish, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our Argentina galleries are shipped directly to your address via air freight. • Simplified Customs Management: We handle the processing of export permits and the payment of customs duties. You will receive your purchase without additional paperwork or surprise costs. • High-Security Packaging: Following FedEx international standards, each piece is protected in custom-made wooden crates, designed to withstand 1-meter impacts and ensure the integrity of the object during transit. • Note for shipments to the USA: To comply with shipping company regulations and ensure delivery at the destination, a valid tax ID (EIN, SSN, or ITIN) is required. • Domestic US Shipping: For those pieces available in our United States storage, logistics are managed through 1stdibs. Personalized Restorations Our team of expert artisans offers restoration services tailored to your aesthetic preferences and design needs: • Cabinetry and Polishing: We perform polishing work on woods, allowing for transitions from light to dark tones (including deep black finishes). • Upholstery: We reupholster chairs and armchairs with fabrics or leathers of your choice, guaranteeing a high-quality finish. • Lighting: We adapt ceiling lamps by shortening smooth rods to adjust them to the height of your rooms. • Metal Treatment: * Restoration of chromed or silver-plated bronze pieces to their original state. o Chroming or silver-plating services for bronze objects. Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. Double fruit or Sweet dish...
Metal
