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).
Centerpiece Bowl in Silver Plate with Deer Heads Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding hammered silver plate deer round centerpiece bowl. Italy, 1970s. This piece features a molded deer with antlers rising over the sides of the bowl that has a hammered fin...
Metal, Silver Plate
Silver Plate Hammered Bowl with Stag Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely silver plate hammered bowl with Stags on either side. a compliment as a serving piece, especially for the holidays or in a cabin, or rustic setting. also works well as a flo...
Silver Plate
$4,007
H 10.24 in Dm 10.63 in
Antique WMF Art Nouveau Centerpiece Silver Plated Crystal Glass Egyptian Revival
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Lovely WMF Art Nouveau centerpiece four winged sphinxes (Egyptian Revival). This centerpiece was made in Germany by the world famous metalworkers of the WMF (WURTTEMBERGISCHE METTALWARENFABRIK) company circa 1900. The large crystal glass bowl is carried by the wings of the four sphinxes. The crystal glass bowl has been richly carved and decorated and its a true piece of glass art. The frame is silver plated with gorgeous aged patina , showing 4 impressive winged sphinxes. This lovely piece would be a must to your collection. Simply stunning to display this on your dining table. The centerpiece is marked WMF stamp...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$1,250
H 9.5 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
Antique English Victorian Stag Mounted Crystal Glass Inkwell Silver Plated Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Stag Mounted Crystal Glass Inkwell Silver Plated Tray. Item is raised on ball and claw feet with four different hunting scenes to tray with cherubs and shel...
Silver Plate
Vintage crystal glass bowl with metal base by Fadalti, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Heavy crystal glass bowl with metal base by Fadalti, made in Italy in the 1960s. Bowl/pot usable for candy and biscuits storage. Very good vintage condition. The vintage bowl has th...
Crystal
WMF Globe-Shaped Cut Crystal Punchbowl On Stand
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an unusually shaped crystal globular punchbowl with a clean "Arts and Crafts" style fitted stand that contrasts nicely with the more ornate "hobstar and fan" cut bowl. The st...
Crystal
$2,692
H 18.9 in Dm 26.78 in
Antique Silver Cup, Large ICE BUCKET European Decorative Bowl Cup Deer Head
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique silver cup or large decorative ice bucket, fruit cup, pressed, cast and chased. Circular, curved feet with hinges. unstamped, tested with the scratch test, height approx. 60 ...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Silver Rimmed Deeply Brilliant Cut Glass Round 6" Accent Bowl
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a lovely 6" diameter small round bowl with brilliant cut glass with deep grooves separating the lovely cut design. The heavy fine quality silver covered rim has an appealing ...
Silver
$300Sale Price|45% Off
H 3.75 in Dm 6.75 in
Important STERLING Silver overlay Glass Centerpiece Compote Candy Dish Bowl
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item is A Spectacular and Very Beautiful Specimen of Clear Glass with Exquisite Sterling Silvered Detailwork. There are no defects in the vessel, no cracks. The piece i...
Blown Glass
Solid Silver and Cut Glass Centerpiece Bowl, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant centerpiece bowl composed of a finely crafted solid silver base, clearly hallmarked, supporting a beautifully shaped cut glass bowl. The refined contrast between the brillian...
Silver
