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).
WMF Art Nouveau Inkwell, Silver-Plated Metal, Germany, c. 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Elongated wave-form base with classical draped figure reclining against rolling sea at one end. Hinged inkwell compartment at opposite end. Glass insert missing.White metal with silv...
Metal
$495Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 7.09 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s Brass casting Good Art deco Streamlined shaped car Chrome Plated Hinged top trinket box/desk tidy Enamel badge on top Reads WESTON.S...
Chrome
Vintage Sterling Silver Presentation Car Model (1984)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive cast sterling silver presentation car model on plinth; an addition to our diverse vintage silverware collection. This exceptional and rare, vintage English cast sterling silver presentation ornament has been realistically modelled in the form of a 1910s era car* on a wooden plinth. The impressive silver car model is embellished with details reproducing the fine definition of the vehicle's body work and fabric features. The car is fitted with axles to the underside allowing the functional wheels to rotate. This exceptional vintage silver detachable model surmounts the original oak wood plinth, accented with the original hallmarked vacant silver inscription plaque to the anterior chamfered face. * Whilst the exact car model cannot be declared, the piece bears similarities to the style of a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and ALFA 24 HP. Condition This vintage sterling silver car...
Sterling Silver
$1,440Sale Price|42% Off
H 8.67 in W 13.39 in D 6.3 in
Art Nouveau sculpture desk Inkwell Stand, Figure of the Law and Justice 1900´s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
WMF, superb Art Nouveau desk inkwell. Wonderful work. Maker mark for WMF. Model 288. The Lady is the Law. Similar to the justice sculpture See Photos...
Spelter
$1,990
H 3.15 in W 3.75 in D 0.63 in
Racing Car Sterling Cigarette Case, Mercedes Benz, Automobilia, circa 1918
By Henry Clifford Davis
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
A magnificent and extremely rare sterling silver engraved cigarette case depicting a stylized Racing car. The car has the emblem of Mercedes Benz. Marked UK Birmingham Sterling silver, Henry Clifford Davis 1918. A beautiful and exceptionally rare racing car case...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Car Sculpture by Jack Spencer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional and rare, vintage English sterling silver presentation ornament has been realistically modelled in the form of a car in the Art Nouveau manner. The body of this stylised Jaguar style car has a plain moulded form. This exceptional model surmounts the original carved stained oak wood plinth, accented with a vacant silver inscription plaque to the lower rim. This exceptional vintage silver presentation ornament is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with satin and velvet lined interior, secured with two hinged catches. Condition This vintage sterling silver...
Sterling Silver
$1,229
H 6.89 in W 9.65 in D 20.67 in
Vintage 1930 Racing Car Stainless Steel Scale Model, Highly Detailed accessory
Located in Milano, IT
Car Model - Bookcase accessory - Decorative Sculpture Stunning contemporary reproduction of a vintage racing car from the 1930s. The streamlined body, inline engine, wheels and das...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.89 in W 9.65 in D 20.67 in
1930s Racing Car Stainless Steel Scale Model, Highly Detailed, Big Size
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning contemporary reproduction of a vintage racing car from the 1930s. The streamlined body, inline engine, wheels and dashboard are all faithfully reproduced and highly detailed...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$1,928
H 2.76 in W 13.19 in D 8.51 in
WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand of Rectangular Organic Flowing Form
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand. Germany. The inkstand is of rectangular organic form with stylized clovers to the front border, plain deep welled front, and smaller si...
Pewter
$640
H 2.37 in W 13 in D 7.68 in
WMF Württembergische Metallwaren German Jugendstil Pewter Desk Stand and Inkwell
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish German Jugendstil pewter desk stand and inkwell by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from around 1906. The stand comprises of a centr...
Pewter
Anna Petrus, Pewter box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929
By Svenskt Tenn, Anna Petrus
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box with decor of a lion, brass and pewter. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked C8 = 1929.
Brass, Pewter
Anna Petrus, Pewter Box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1928
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a womans face. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked B8 = 1928.
Brass, Pewter
Anna Petrus Firma Svenskt Tenn Pewter Box Womens Face
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a womans face. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked B8 = 1928. Anna Petrus was a sculptor and designer at the beginning of the 20th Century. After her death, Anna Petrus' work was almost forgotten, but in recent years, it been rediscovered. And now, her sculptures are sought after-objects. She was born Anna Petersson, the daughter of a medical professor and a countess, and took the surname when she studied at the Academy of Arts. She inherited a small fortune at age 11 when her mother died, which enabled her to educate in London and travel to Italy and France. Anna Petrus had her international breakthrough at the Paris World Fair in 1925, where she displayed pewter and cast iron objects...
Pewter, Brass
Pewter Box with Mountain Crystal
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pewter box with mountain crystal on the lid. No known designer or manufacturer.
Pewter
Anna Petrus Firma Svenskt Tenn Lion Box 1929
By Svenskt Tenn, Anna Petrus
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a leaping lion. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn.
Brass, Pewter
Silver Plated Tube Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle
By Gio Ponti, Christofle, Jacques Sitoleux
Located in Stockholm, SE
Silverplated tube vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle, France, circa 1969..
Brass, Silver Plate
