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).
Continental Art Nouveau Silvered Metal Centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Continental Art Nouveau Silvered Metal Centerpiece Unmarked, probably WMF. The classically-clad maiden with a bird, atop a pedestal with a brass fitted berried twig, continuing to a...
Silver
French Vitrine Table Beautiful for a Fine Jewelry Collection Paris, circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A French vitrine table beautiful for a fine jewelry collection Paris, circa 1890 fitted with a glazed case fitted with a hinged top opening to a support Measures: Height 32.37 i...
Wood
Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Fifty-Nine Piece Flatware Service
By Reed & Barton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Fifty-Nine Piece Flatware Service Marked Reed and Barton, Sterling. Comprising, twelve dinner knives, eleven butter spreads, twelve dinner forks, twel...
Silver
Francois Linke Bureau Plat, circa 1900
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Francois Linke Bureau plat, circa 1900. Signed Linke on the right side of the gilt bronze chute. Amarante, quarter-veneer satine, loupe d'a...
Wood
Art-Nouveau Vienna Secessionist Rosewood Cabinet, Stylized Brass Pull and Key
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Art-Nouveau Vienna Secessionist rosewood cabinet, stylized brass pull and keyhole cover. Measures: Height 90 in. (228.60 cm.), Width 51.25 in. (130.17 cm.), Depth 20.5 in. (5...
Wood
Lucien Rollin, Secretaire, circa 1935
By Lucien Rollin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lucien Rollin, Secretaire, circa 1935. Mahogany and silvered bronze, Meaures: 60.25 in. (153.03 cm.) x 50 in. (127 cm.) x 15.12 in. (38.41 cm.).
Mahogany
WMF Rare Art Nouveau Silver Plated Cutlery Set for 24 Persons
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare WMF silver plated cutlery set for 18 persons, comprising approximately 256 pieces. Housed in its original Art Nouveau cabinet with silver plated organic stylised mounts, this remarkable ensemble retains the complete original Art Nouveau cutlery...
Silver Plate
WMF An Art Nouveau Silver Plated 123 Piece Cutlery Service for 12 places
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF An Art Nouveau silver plated 123 piece cutlery service for 12 in the original cabinet with silver plated stylized mounts. Consisting of: - 12 large knives and 12 large forks. - 12 smaller knives and 12 smaller forks - 12 large spoons and 12 smaller spoons - 12 tea spoons - Ten knife rests - One carving knife and one carving fork - One large soup ladle - One large dessert serving spoon - One salad serving spoon - One salad serving spoon with forked spoon end. See Grotkamp-Schepers, Barbara and Sanger, Reinhard W. "Art Nouveau Knives...
Silver Plate
WMF Silver Art Nouveau Dinnerware in its Original Jugendstil Case, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
WMF Silver Art Nouveau Dinnerware in its Original Jugendstil Case, Germany, circa 1900-1910 Elegant silver Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) dinnerware by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), Germany, from the early 20th century, circa 1900-1910. The dinnerware is presented in its original wooden case, featuring striking Jugendstil brass fittings and embellishments. The domed case retains its interior with individual compartments and original fabric lining, offering practical storage and exceptional decorative appeal. The set comprises approximately 90 silver pieces, including a variety of dinnerware, dessert, and serving pieces. The pieces showcase the refined craftsmanship and organic design sensibility that characterize WMF's celebrated Art Nouveau production. Although incomplete, the dinnerware remains an impressive and substantial set, especially valuable to collectors of German Jugendstil decorative arts. The preservation of the original custom-made chest significantly enhances its historical interest and value as a display piece. Manufacturer: WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Origin: Germany Period: Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Date: circa 1900–1910 Materials: Silver-plated metal, wood, brass fittings, fabric-lined interior Number of pieces: Approximately 90 Condition: Good antique condition, with age-related wear, minor losses, and patina consistent with age and use. Some pieces of the original service are missing. The original chest is preserved. An attractive and increasingly rare Art Nouveau dinner service...
Metal, Brass
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, Numbered 457
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...
Crystal, Metal
Centerpiece, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German, 1910, 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...
Crystal, Metal
WMF flower centerpiece
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerpiece for flowers, silver-plated bronze with cut glass, manufactured by WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). WMF signature. Germany, CIRCA 1900.
Bronze
