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 Neoclassical Style Brass Hall Lantern
Located in London, GB
Antique Neoclassical style brass hall lantern French, early 20th century Measures: Height 104cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm This fine hall ...
Brass
French Neoclassical Style Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French Neoclassical style brass lantern French, 20th century Measures: height 58 cm, diameter 23cm This fine hall lantern is crafted from brass in a classical style. The hexagon...
Brass
Monumental Antique Cut-Glass Chandelier by Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
Monumental Antique Cut-Glass Chandelier by Osler English, early 20th Century Height 350cm, diameter 166cm This impressive monumental chandelier ...
Metal
Bohemian Antique Belle Epoque Style Cut-Glass Four-Tiered Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique Bohemian gasolier chandelier is crafted in the elegant Belle Époque style. The work exemplifies the very best of 19th century Bohemian craftsmanship, featuring ...
Cut Glass
Large Neoclassical Style Brass and Plate Glass Lantern
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style brass and plate glass lantern, French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 119cm, diameter 64cm Made from polished brass and plate glass, this large lantern...
Brass
Bohemian chandelier with cut-glass pendants
Located in London, GB
Bohemian chandelier with cut-glass pendants Bohemian, 20th century Measures: Height 130 cm, diameter 105 cm This luxurious chandelier is craf...
Cut Glass
Edwardian Cut Glass & Silver Plated Pendant Light
Located in Kent, Dover
A fine English Edwardian cut glass and silver plated bronze pendant light, with a ribbed design.
Bronze
Large Glass Bell Lantern with Silver Frame
Located in New York, NY
Georgian style hanging glass lantern. Silver chains suspend an ornate wreath frame featuring Rams head details from the glass smoke bell. Three Candelabra bulbs attached to a baluste...
Blown Glass
Antique Silver Leaf Metal Pendant Light
By Epoca Lampadari
Located in Milan, IT
A single-light pendant suspension featuring an antique silver leaf finish, embellished with crystal pendants. The central vase is finely crafted and adorned with glass rosettes, crea...
Metal, Silver
Midcentury Style Steel and Nickel Eight-Light Lantern with glass Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lantern is executed in steel with a polished nickel finish and a contrasting black-framed glazed body, presenting a crisp, architectural silhouette inspired by midcentury design...
Steel, Nickel
Remains Lighting "Minerva" Lantern Light in Polished Nickel and Glass, USA 2018
By Remains Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional "Minerva" lantern pendant light designed by acclaimed American architect Robert A. M. Stern and manufactured in the United States by Remains Lighting, one of the most ...
Brass, Nickel
1930's French Empire Silver Plated Chandelier with 6 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French silver plated finish empire style chandelier with 6 lights
Bronze
The elegant ceramics represent the best of French artistry and innovation.
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
