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 Rare Art Nouveau Silver Plated Cutlery Set for 24 Persons
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare WMF silver plated cutlery set for 18 persons, comprising approximately 256 pieces. Housed in its original Art Nouveau cabinet with silver plated organic stylised mounts, this remarkable ensemble retains the complete original Art Nouveau cutlery...
Silver Plate
WMF. Art Nouveau silver-plated centre piece with whiplash handles & glass liner
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. An Art Nouveau silver-plated centre piece with organic whiplash handles and the original glass liner.
Silver Plate
WMF An Art Nouveau Silver Plated 123 Piece Cutlery Service for 12 places
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF An Art Nouveau silver plated 123 piece cutlery service for 12 in the original cabinet with silver plated stylized mounts. Consisting of: - 12 large knives and 12 large forks. - 12 smaller knives and 12 smaller forks - 12 large spoons and 12 smaller spoons - 12 tea spoons - Ten knife rests - One carving knife and one carving fork - One large soup ladle - One large dessert serving spoon - One salad serving spoon - One salad serving spoon with forked spoon end. See Grotkamp-Schepers, Barbara and Sanger, Reinhard W. "Art Nouveau Knives...
Silver Plate
A Firth Staybrite Stainless steel preserve dish and spoon
By Keswick School of Industrial Art
Located in London, GB
Keswick School of Industrial Art. A Firth Staybrite Stainless steel preserve dish and spoon
Steel
CR Ashbee Guild of Handicrafts Set of Four Silver Plated Meat Covers & One Other
By Charles Robert Ashbee, The Guild of Handicraft
Located in London, GB
C R Ashbee and made by the Guild of Handicrafts. A set of four Classic silver plated meat covers with wirework handles, rolled edges and an applied triangle to each one for hanging o...
Silver Plate
Walker Hall Dr C Dresser style. An Aesthetic Movement silver plated spoon warmer
By Christopher Dresser
Located in London, GB
Walker Hall Sheffield after a design by Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated ostrich egg shape spoon warmer with a circular handle, a mouth-shaped opening, and subtle ha...
Silver Plate
Circa 1900 American Sterling Silver Set of Four Egg Spoons by Dominick & Haff
By Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Dominick & Haff sterling silver set of four egg spoons, circa 1900. Pattern #10 patented in 1896; fully marked. Art Nouveau pattern. Monogram "L". 1.65 troy oz. 4 3/8" x 1" x 0.5". ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage German Silverplate Tablespoons; Set of Eight
Located in Malibu, CA
This flatware set is from one of the oldest & finest silverplate manufacturers in Germany. On separate listing, you will find; knives, forks, teapoons & serving pieces as we...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Set of Six Silver Plate Mocca Coffee Spoon Antique, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau set of six small coffee spoons for espresso size cups. These set is in a original case. Made of silver plated metal, it will make a nice addition to any table...
Silver Plate
Set of 6 Silver-Plated Ice Cream Spoons by Dixi, 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
This elegant set of 6 ice cream spoons, crafted in silver-plated metal by the renowned Dixi workshop, features a beautifully scalloped edge, adding a touch of refinement to your dess...
Silver Plate
Set of silver coffee spoons, 5 pcs., Latvia, 1920s - 1930s
Located in Rīga, LV
A set of five Latvian silver coffee spoons, made in Latvia in the 1920s–1930s. The spoons are made of 875 standard silver. Each spoon has a small oval bowl and a shaped handle with ...
Silver
Set of silver teaspoons, 6 pcs., Jewelry factory city Tallinn, Estonia (USSR)
Located in Rīga, LV
A set of six silver teaspoons made in Tallinn, Estonia, during the Soviet period, dated 1977. Each spoon is decorated with a stylized architectural motif and the inscription “Tallinn...
Silver
