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).
Rare Bauhaus Era Art Deco Box by WMF Ikora Design Breuhaus de Groot
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot 1
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning and ultra rare hand-hammered Art Deco lidded box designed by Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot for WMF Ikora in the 1920s is a true masterpiece of the era. Its design is a...
Silver Plate, Brass
Art Deo Catch All Jewelry Dish by WMF Silverplated Wiener Werkstätte Style
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant Art Deco silverplated catch-all dish by WMF, finely crafted in the Wiener Werkstätte style. The piece features a beautifully scalloped edge and richly embossed floral and fol...
Metal, Silver Plate
Large Swiss Silver Scalloped Centerpiece Bowl by Jetzler
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This large Swiss silver centerpiece bowl by Jetzler features an elegant scalloped rim and a gently fluted body, raised on four finely detailed feet. Its gleaming, highly polished sur...
Silver
Large Danish Silverplate Bowl by Carl M. Cohr, ATLA, Art Deco Design
By Jean Puiforcat, Carl M. Cohr
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant silver-plated bowl, crafted by Carl M. Cohr & Co. of Denmark, showcases a timeless Art Deco-inspired design. Featuring a scalloped, fluted body with crisp, clean lines, ...
Silver Plate
Mid Century Modern Ruscha "Marocco" Decorative Bowl, 1950s, Fat Lava WGP Design
By Hans Welling, Roger Capron, Ruscha
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This captivating decorative bowl from the 1950s belongs to the "Marocco" series by the renowned German pottery manufacturer, Ruscha. Designed by Hans Welling, it showcases a vibrant,...
Ceramic
Gustavsberg Stig Lindberg SILUR Vide Poche Keep All Dish Bowl Stoneware Ceramic
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Stig Lindberg Silur Stoneware Bowl Designed by the renowned Sig Lindberg in Sweden, this Silur pattern Gustavsberg bowl, made from high-quality gl...
Ceramic, Stoneware
WMF Ikora Sculptural Bauhaus Bowl Silver-Plated by Paul Haustein, 1920
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Paul Haustein
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This extraordinary silver-plated WMF Ikora bowl combines the avant-garde design language of modernism with the exceptional craftsmanship for which WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfa...
Silver Plate, Brass
Karl Weidmann Centerpiece Bowl for WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Karl Weidmann centerpiece bowl for WMF.
Art Glass
Ikora Art Glass Bowl Special Edition by WMF in Germany, by Karl Wiedmann
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Karl Wiedmann
Located in Verviers, BE
WMF 'Ikora' Special Edition art glass bowl German glass bowl by Karl Wiedmann for WMF Ikora, 1930s Baushaus Art Deco. A decorative 'Ikora' glass bowl, produced, by WMF (Wurttembergi...
Art Glass
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Deco Large WMF Ikora Silver Plated Bowl Center Piece This rare vintage bowl is a stunning example of Bauhaus – German Art Deco from the 1930s. Crafted from silver-plated brass, ...
Silver Plate, Enamel
German Glass Bowl by Karl Wiedmann for WMF Ikora, 1930s Baushaus Art Deco
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Karl Wiedmann
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Glass bowl Producer: WMF, Germany Designer: Karl Wiedmann Age: 1930s Description: Wonderful heavy Art Deco glass element designed by Karl Wie...
Art Glass
1960s WMF Modernist All Purpose Bowl Fraser's Stainless
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s WMF Cromargan Fraser's Stainless Box 11.75 long x 5.25 d x 1.88 h Bowl 12.25 x 4.38 w x 1.5 h Original vintage condition with original box included. See all images.
Stainless Steel
