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).
Signed E. Froger 19th Century French Porcelain Potpourri by Sevres, 1880
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Cobalt blue and gold with two cartouches on the lid each with a winged cherub and a dove signed E. Froger. Perforated bronze strap with handles which is attached to the bottom of the...
Bronze
Art Nouveau French Table Lamp "Tiffany Style", 1930s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A beautiful Tiffany style table lamp, French production from the 1930s, Art Nouveau period. The base is in cast brass and base in black marble, the lampshade in colored glass and cry...
Brass
18th Century Dutch Trumeau Walnut with Maple Wood Inlays, Netherlands, 1760
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Dutch trumeau from the Mid-18th Century. Furniture of exceptional quality, richly inlaid in walnut and maple, the interior is covered in oak and the stru...
Walnut
Art Nouveau Italian Brass Double Bed, Early 1900s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large Italian double bed from the early 20th century. Fabulous quality object and gilded brass decoration. Bed decorated with plaques depicting female characters and neoclassical che...
Brass
Liberty Italian Thuja Briar and Pink Portugal Marble Dresser, 20s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chest of drawers in thuja briar, maple inlays and Portuguese pink marble top, 1920s Italian production. The dresser has been restored and polished with shellac. Also available the pa...
Marble, Brass
Pair of Art Nouveau Jugendstil Bronze and Ceramic Vases Otto Eckman Style, 1900s
By Otto Eckmann
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of beautiful ceramic vases in shades of emerald blue to dark green, production from the early 1900s, in Art Nouveau or Jugendstil style in the shape of water lilies with bronze ...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Rectangular Silver Plate Jewelry Box, France
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This French rectangular silver box is heavily decorated in the typical styles of this Art Nouveau period. The box has vintage red velvet interior and the original hardware with a wor...
Silver Plate
Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, 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
Art Noveade German Silver Jewelry Box 800
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Noveade 800 German Silver Jewelry Box A Box with an intricate pattern engraved on its surface. The pattern consists of swirls and floral ...
Silver
Art Nouveau Silver Metal Jewelry Box
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Nouveau Silver Metal Jewelry Box Beautifully ornate jewelry box featuring embossed designs including floral patterns and symmetrical leaf-shaped...
Metal
Art Nouveau Period Silver Jewellery Box made by William Comyns in 1903
By William Comyns
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1903 by William Comyns, this attractive, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Jewellery Box, is oval in shape, and features cast and applied floral detailed fee...
Sterling Silver
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
