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).
$1,305
H 2.17 in W 16.93 in D 13 in
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Serving Tray with Calla Lilies
Located in Barntrup, DE
Early 20th-century Art Nouveau bronze serving tray with calla lilies. A beautiful Art Nouveau period square tray made of bronze and brass and decorated with adorable slightly red-co...
Brass, Bronze
$1,550
H 2.17 in W 20.28 in D 14.37 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Copper Serving Tray, Gilt Brass Handles, AT circa 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Eye-catching 20th century Art Nouveau copper tray with gilt brass handles from the very early period in Austria. Elaborately handcrafted around 1900, this one of a kind Vienna secess...
Brass, Copper
$575
H 1.38 in W 14.97 in D 9.06 in
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish Continental Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 3.5cm x 38cm x 23cm This superbly decorat...
Bronze, Ormolu
$679
H 9.85 in Dm 11.82 in
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Copper Tray by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)
Located in Nottingham, GB
This attractive WMF tray dates from the height of the German Jugendstil movement and beautifully illustrates the flowing, organic forms that defined Art Nouve...
Brass, Copper
$895
H 0.75 in W 10 in D 12 in
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Handled Tray, 1920s
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper tray with handles By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 12"W x 10"D...
Brass, Copper
WMF Art Nouveau Aperitif Serving Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau aperitif server or pin tray, circa 1900. Silver-plated metal with ginkgo biloba leaf decoration, handle decorated with a woman. Stamped WMF. In very good condition. Note ...
Silver Plate
WMF Art Nouveau Plate
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
WMF Art Nouveau plate silver plated brass Germany about 1900-1910
Silver Plate, Brass
$528
H 1.97 in W 14.18 in D 7.88 in
Jugendstil Gilded Catchall – Art Nouveau Oval Tray – Vienna, circa 1920
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
ugendstil Gilded Catchall – Art Nouveau Oval Tray – Vienna, circa 1920 Description: This is an elegant gilded catchall tray in the Jugendstil style, the Austrian counterpart of Art Nouveau. Made in Vienna around 1920, the tray features a refined oval shape and is adorned with sculptural handles typical of the Art Nouveau aesthetic — flowing lines and organic motifs. Despite some visual marks that may appear stronger in photos than in reality, the surface is actually less stained in person and maintains a beautiful aged gold finish. Main Features: Origin: Vienna, Austria Date: Circa 1920 Style: Jugendstil / Art Nouveau Material: Metal with gold finish Shape: Oval with decorative sculpted handles Finish: Gold-colored patina, subtle and elegant Condition: Some light wear, but less visible in person than in photos Function: Catchall tray, decorative dish, or entryway accessory Style & Usage: This piece embodies the organic elegance and fluid design of early 20th-century Viennese decorative arts. Ideal for a classical interior, it serves both as a functional object and as a collector's item for Jugendstil enthusiasts. Keywords: Jugendstil tray...
Brass
$3,400 / item
H 2.76 in W 28.75 in D 18.12 in
Extra Large WMF Art Nouveau Silver Plated Waiter's Serving Tray, Germany 1900s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremally rare German WMF Art Nouveau silver plated handled waiter's tray with berry and ivy foliage relief with Art Nouveau patterns and decorative...
Metal
Roycroft Style Swedish Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Handled Tray
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period copper tray with brass handles In the manner of Roycroft By O.H. Lagerstedt Sweden, Early 20th Century Measures: 17.5"W x 14.5"D x 2"H. Very good...
Brass, Copper
WMF Art Nouveau Inkwell and Pen Tray Desk Stand, Retains Original Glass
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
WMF Art Nouveau inkwell and pen tray desk stand Art Nouveau Pattern Retains original glass Inkwell and Patina The piece is in excellent condition and a real beauty! Photography...
Metal
WMF Art Nouveau Jardinair whit Original Cut Glass Basket
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
WMF Art Nouveau Jardinair whit Original Cut Glass Basket Art Nouveau Pattern Retains original glass The piece is in excellent condition and a real beauty! Photography Fails to Capt...
Metal
Art Nouveau Pewter Tray style of C. Kurz & Company, Tiel, The Netherlands
By C. Kurz Company
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Cookie tin C. Kurz & Company, Tiel, The Netherlands Mr. Coen Kurz severed his apprenticeship at the very prominent, "Daalderop Metal Factory" and in 1896 left to establi...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Signed WMF Pitcher Brass and Copper with Handle and Organic Details
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Signed WMF Pitcher Brass and Copper with Handle and Organic Details Hand-hammered out of one piece of copper. Brass handle with Organic style details With original Pati...
Brass, Copper
WMF Art Nouveau Sollifleur Whit Detailt Claire Engraved Glass
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Verviers, BE
WMF Art Nouveau Sollifleur whit Detailt Claire engraved glass. The piece is in excellent condition and a real beauty! Photography fails to capture the beauty of the piece. ?In...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Art Nouveau Cookie tin C. Kurz & Company, Tiel, The Netherlands
By C. Kurz & Co
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Cookie tin C. Kurz & Company, Tiel, The Netherlands Mr. Coen Kurz severed his apprenticeship at the very prominent, "Daalderop Metal Factory" and in 1896 left to establi...
Pewter
