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).
Gabriella Crespi Signed, Cylindrical Brass Box, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Naples, IT
Small box cylindrical beautifully crafted by Italian designer Gabriella Crespi, dating back to the 1970s. This exquisite piece is crafted in brass, showcasing Crespi's signature min...
Brass
Wood and Perforated Metal Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Decorative tabletop box with a charming perforated metal cover revealing a warm dark wood background.
Metal
Rectangular Box in Wood and Brass, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Rare rectangular wood and brass box design attributed to Wily Rizzo Italy, in very good condition with slight signs of wear and time.
Brass
Carl Aubock Style Brass Pipe Holder, Italy 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Naples, IT
Solid brass pipe holder from the 1950s designed in the style of Carl Aubock , a delightful and sought-after collector's item.
Brass
Sami Wirkkala for Cleto Munari, Square Silver-Plated Tray, Italy, 1980s
By Cleto Munari
Located in Naples, IT
Square silver-plated tray designed by Sami Wirkkala for Cleto Munari, 1980s.
Silver Plate
Lucite and Chrome Decorative Box, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Rare decorative lucite and chrome cube-shaped box. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Chrome
Silver Plated Cigar Box or Jewelry Box - Art Deco Decorative Box - France 1930s
By Maria Pergay
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Silver Plated Cigar Box or Jewelry Box - Art Deco Decorative Box - France 1930s Tall and elegant cigar box crafted in silver plated metal, and mahogany. Originally meant to receive...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
WMF Art Deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, Around 1920s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
WMF Art Deco jewelry box Vienna around 1920s. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Art Deco Silver Box with Wooden Interior, circa 1930s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Deco Silver Box with Wooden Interior, circa 1930s Refined Art Deco silver box featuring a striking geometric design characteristic of the period. The lid displays a finely engra...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 20th Century English Solid Silver Cigar Box Retailed By Finnigans c.1947
By Finnigans, London 1
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Vintage 20th Century English solid silver cigar box. Elegantly crafted, this box features a reeded decoration throughout in adjacent placement. On the underneath of the box, there is...
Silver
Art Deco Swedish Pewter Cigar Box by GAB, Dated 1935
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish pewter cigar box produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), dated 1935. This refined Art Deco piece features a clean rectangular form with a subtly stepped lid and deco...
Pewter
Brass Tobacco Box Holder. walnut wood Italy 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Walnut wood tobacco box. brass lid .
Brass
