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).
Antique Art Nouveau Copper Lidded Pot Large Bowl Container Jugendstil
Located in Greer, SC
Elegant antique hand made and hand hammered Art Nouveau piece, this lidded copper pot has both style and function. Created in the early 1900's when the Arts & Crafts movement was at ...
Brass, Copper
19th Century English Silver Plated Three Carafe Tantalus with Lock Mechanism
Located in Greer, SC
Entertain in style with this 19th century English silver plated three carafe tantalus in good used condition. Scotch, Vodka and Bourbon signs are includ...
Silver Plate
Antique Victorian Judd Cast Iron Glass Inkwell and Pen Stand
Located in Greer, SC
Wonderful antique Victorian cast iron inkwell holder with glass inkwell. The glass ink well has the company name JUDD on the bottom and the bottom of...
Iron
Large Bronze Japanese Champleve Enamel Double Elephant Handle Urn Vase Japan
Located in Greer, SC
Beautifully crafted vintage Japanese urn shaped vase, featuring elephant head double handles in bronze and enamel. Colorful enamel adorns the vase...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Phillipe H. Mourey Lamp Gilded Bronze French Signed Cherubs and Beetles
Located in Greer, SC
Elegant antique signed Philippe H. Mourey table lamp, bronze with gilt. Features beetle accents along the bottom and cherub accents along the sides. Measures 15.75 inches from the bo...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Bronze Gold Dore Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Greer, SC
9-Piece Tiffany Studios Bronze Desk Set which includes: Letter Holder, Notepad Holder, Letter Opener, Stamp Box, Pen Tray, Blotter, Ink Well, Vase Base, Nut Bowl with Scalloped Edges
Bronze
Antique WMF Art Nouveau Wine Cooler Champagne Holder Ice Bucket Copper Brass 20s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Art Nouveau , Jugendstil wine cooler, champagne holder, ice bucket , copper body with brass handles from WMF = Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik - Germany manufacture 1920 Beauti...
Brass, Copper
English Late 19th Century Copper & Brass Coal Bucket Planter
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful heraldic brass and copper pot. deep detail in shield and quality craftsmanship throughout. Offset bronze rivets around rim. Heavy ball feet. Nicely scaled.
Brass
Copper wine cooler with brass handles schwitzerland around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Copper wine cooler with brass handles schwitzerland around 1920s Copper and brass polished and stove enameled
Brass, Copper
WMF Art Nouveau Sugar Bowl Copper Plated, Secession c1900s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in High Peak, GB
P0317 Very stylish WMF Art Nouveau Secession copper plated and brass sugar bowl with original lift up lid, two brass handles and embossed decoration throughout. This antique sugar b...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Art Nouveau copper & brass planter
Located in London, GB
A copper planter with Art Nouveau decoration and brass handles, circa 1900. With tinned interior.
Brass, Copper
English Late 19th Century Copper & Brass Coal Bucket Planter
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful heraldic brass and copper pot. deep detail in shield and quality craftsmanship throughout. Offset bronze rivets on rim. Heavy ball feet. Nicely scaled.
Brass
