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).
Jugendstil Silver-Plated Brass Centerpiece, WMF 1920
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil silver-plated brass centrepiece is an original decorative set realized in the 1920s-1930s. Silver-plated brass. Realized by WMF. Made in Germany. The WMF label is...
Silver Plate, Brass
Silver Tea Service Set, Italian Silverware, Early 20th Century, Europe
Located in Roma, IT
Silver tea service is an original silverware item realized by Italian Manufacturer in ther Early 20th Century A silver set composed by three teapot and two little bowls. Fair condi...
Silver
Vintage Art Deco Centerpiece / Teaset by Lloyd, Payne & Amiel, England, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Art Deco Centrepiece is an original decorative group of objects realized in the 1930s. Original tin with wood handles and knobs. Made in England. Designed by Lloyd, Payne & Am...
Metal
Vintage Silver Tea Set by Luigi Genazzi, Sterling Silver, Italy, 1930s
By Luigi Genazzi
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Silver Service is an original, rare decorative object realized in the 1930s by the famous silversmith Luigi Genazzi. Very elegant and refined coffee and tea set entirely rea...
Silver
Sheffeld Silverplate Tea Set by J.H. Potter, Mid-20th Century, UK
Located in Roma, IT
Sheffeld tea set is an original decorative set of objects realized in the half of the 20th century. Chiseled silverplate. The set includes three objects; a tea pot, a milk jug ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Silver Moka Set by William Hutton & Sons, England, Early 1900
By William Hutton & Sons
Located in Roma, IT
Silver plated Moka set is an original decorative group of objects realized in the first half of the 20th century. Created and realized by William Hutton & ...
Silver Plate
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver L. Maciel Mexican 3 Piece Tea Coffee Set 1935
By Maciel Silver Co.
Located in Portland, OR
A beautiful Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea & Coffee Set with creamer made by L. Maciel Silver Co. Mexico, circa 1935. This fine quality heavy gauge sterling silver three piece set is substantial in its size and weight. The tops of the two pots are adorned with flowers and the design of the three pieces are done in a ribbed and curved style reminiscent of lobed Squash or Pumpkin: The body features deeply hand-hammered, fluted sections resembling native Mexican gourds...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Antique Art Deco Silver Plate Coffee or Tea Service Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco silver soldered tea or coffee service set, including: coffee pot, tea pot, sugar bowl, and creamer. By Tiffany & Co. USA, Circa Late 19th Century Measu...
Silver Plate
Art Déco Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set with Tray, Around 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant 5-piece silver centerpiece consisting of a coffee pot, teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl and a tray. Bulbous, raised vessels, narrowing again towards the opening, with a vertical...
Silver
Antique English Sheffield B. Altman Art Deco Silver Plated Tea Service Set, 4 Pc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Sheffield B. Altman Art Deco Silver Plated Tea Service Set with Bakelite Handles - 4 Pcs. Set includes (1) Teapot, (1) Coffee pot, (1) Creamer, (1) Open sugar bowl al...
Silver Plate
Antique four piece silver tea set, Sheffield, England, 1930s
By Sheffield
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique four piece silver plate tea set made in Sheffield, England in the 1930s. Of plain form, on four claw feet, all with egg and bead rim the teapot and water pot with wooden hand...
Silver Plate
Art Deco French Silver-Plated Tea & Coffee Service by Ravinet d’Enfert, Set of 4
By Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Las Vegas, NV
French Art Deco four-piece silverplate tea and coffee service by Ravinet Denfert, Paris, model number 22, dating to the early–mid 1930s. This refined four-piece set features beautif...
Silver Plate
