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).
Hamburg by WMF German 800 Silver Flatware Service Set 63 Pieces Modern
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern Hamburg by WMF 800 silver German flatware set - 63 pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 8 3/4" 12 Forks, 7 5/8" 12 Salad Forks, 6 1/4"...
Silver
Kopenhagen by WMF "800" Silver Flatware Service for Six Dinner Set 35 Pieces
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Big Bend, WI
Kopenhagen by WMF "800" silver flatware service for six dinner set 35 pieces. This set includes: Measures: Six dinner knives, 8 3/4". Six dinner forks, 7 7/8". Six salad forks, thr...
Sterling Silver
German Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set for 12 Dinner 170 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding monumental Sterling Silver German flatware set with timeless design - 170 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner knives, 9 1/4" 12 dinner forks, 7 3/4" 12 luncheon/dessert knives, 7 3/4" 12 luncheon/dessert forks, 6 5/8" 12 salad forks, 6 7/8" 12 small teaspoons, 5 1/2" 12 place spoons...
Sterling Silver
Homag 90 German Silverplated Flatware Set 133 Pieces Service for 12 Vintage
Located in Big Bend, WI
Large German Silverplated Flatware Set stamped "Homag 90", 133 pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 8 7/8" 12 Forks, 7 1/4" 12 Small Salad Forks, 3-tine, 5 1/2" 12 Small Teaspoons...
Silver Plate
German Silverplated Flatware Set by Carl Eickhorn Solingen 102 Pc Dinner Service
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental German silver plated flatware set by Carl Eickhorn Solingen, 102 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 10 1/4" 12 dinner size forks, 8 1/4" 11 luncheon knives, 8 1/2" 11 luncheon forks, 7 1/4" 12 salad forks, 3-tine, 6" 12 small teaspoons, 5 1/4" 12 large dinner spoons, 8 1/4" 2 berry spoons, 8 1/2" 1 horseradish scoop, 5" 2 fruit serving forks, 2-tine w/stainless, 7 1/2" 2 serving forks, 3-tine w/stainless, 7" 2 gravy ladles, 7 1/4" 2 sugar spoons, large, 7" 1 hollow handle master butter, 6 1/2" 1 salad serving set with celluloid, 10" 1 sauce ladle, 6 1/2" 1 cake server with stainless blade, 11" 1 pastry tong...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Vienna Austria 800 Silver Flatware Set Service 165 Pieces Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb highest quality Art Deco Vienna Austria 800 silver flatware service - 165 pieces. This set includes: 10 dinner size knives, 10" 10 dinner size forks, heavy, 8 3/8" (impressi...
Silver
12 persons Fish cutlery set by WMF, Germany 1903-1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Delft, NL
12 persons Fish cutlery set by WMF, Germany 1903-1910 An Art Nouveau set silver plated fish cutlery set made by WMF 12 knives and 12 forks with pearl edge handle and engraved Art No...
Metal
Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Kurt Mayer
Located in Vienna, AT
A meticulously curated set of silver-plated cutlery, the "4100 Stockholm Laurel" series, was designed in 1955 by Kurt Mayer for WMF Germany, Württembergische Metallwaren Fabrik. This...
Stainless Steel
Jean Puiforcat - Art Deco Cutlery Flatware Set Chantaco Plated Silver 80 Pieces
By Puiforcat, Jean Puiforcat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Cutlery Flatware set "Chantaco" made in plated silver by Maison Puiforcat based on a drawing by Jean E. Puiforcat dating from 1924. Set for 8 people - 80 pieces including :...
Silver Plate
BOREAL Art Deco 118 Pc Silvered Flatware Set Luc Lanel Christofle in case
By Luc Lanel
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco silver plated cutlery set BOREAL 118 pc. Designed by Luc Lanel for Christofle. France. Model designed in 1929. Production: Mid Century. The set is contained in a 4 drawer ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Vintage German Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Twelve Persons Circa 1970
By Rosenthal
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage German sterling silver Lotus pattern canteen of cutlery for twelve persons made by Rosenthal; an addition to our antique flatware sets. The pieces of this exceptional and extensive vintage German sterling silver cutlery service for twelve persons has been crafted in the Lotus pattern. The lower portion of each handle is embellished with an impressive organic design, all in the iconic Art Nouveau manner. This vintage canteen consists of 112 pieces: Basic Service: 12 Table knives 12 Table forks 12 Dessert knives 12 Dessert forks 12 Dessert spoons 12 Fish/hors d'oeuvre knives 12 Fish/hors d'oeuvre forks 12 Coffee spoons 12 Teaspoons Additional Pieces: Pair of serving spoons Large serving fork Small serving fork The pieces of this silver flatware set, including the original knives, have been crafted by the German silversmith Rosenthal; often this maker manufactured items in a lower grade of silver or silver plate, indicating the high quality of this sterling silver service. This vintage canteen of cutlery is supplied in felt cutlery rolls; which not only protect the items in storage but significantly reduce tarnishing. NOTE: This item contains knives and is only available for sale to persons aged 18 or over. Proof of age will be required upon purchase. Condition This vintage German sterling silver Lotus pattern cutlery set is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. Each piece has been professionally polished and is in presentation condition. The German hallmarks struck to the reverse of each piece are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the superior gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine and impressive Rosenthal flatware...
Sterling Silver
JEAN E. PUIFORCAT -147-piece silver flatware set, “elysee” pattern, circa 1930
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Composition: 12 dinner forks 12 dinner spoons 12 dinner knives 12 dessert forks 12 dessert spoons 12 dessert knives 12 fish forks 12 fish knives 12 mocha spoons 12 tea/coff...
Silver
