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).
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp Tisch-Überall, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1930
By Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar, Oskar Wlach
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Viennese Modernism table or desk lamp form the 1930s, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten (Josef Frank und Oskar Wlach) in 1934. The...
Brass, Iron, Wire
Signed Karl Springer Table Lamp with a Sandblasted Glass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and rare table lamp by Karl Springer in the 1970s. Has a beautiful sandblasted glass base. In excellent condition, has a refurbished lampshade. Signed on bottom.
Glass
Post-Modern Memphis & Art Deco Style Porcelain Table or Side Lamp, Italy, 1980s
By Memphis Milano
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative postmodern Art Deco-style table or side lamp from the 1980s, made in Italy. The lamp’s base is crafted from porcelain with a beige glaze and features stunn...
Brass
Bakalowits Vienna Solid Brass Floor Lamp With Glass Handle, Austria, 1950s
By Bakalowits & Söhne, J.T. Kalmar, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A monumental and elegant Mid-Century brass floor lamp from the 1950s, designed and executed by Bakalowits & Söhne in Vienna, Austria. Expertly crafted from brass, this lamp features...
Brass
Midcentury Table or Side Lamp, Turned Wood Base, Sweden, 1970s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful table or side lamp from the 1970s with a turned base made of dark wood and a refurbished lampshade with a lovely premium leaf pattern fabric. A very decorative light in t...
Fabric, Wood
1930s Hagenauer Style Art Deco Cat Sculpture Table Lamp
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Vienna, AT
A unique Art Deco table lamp in the shape of a cat in the manner of Werkstatte Hagenauer Vienna. Made in the 1930s in Czechoslovakia. Nickel-plated metal, in very good condition.
Metal
Karl Wiedmann Art Deco WMF Table Lamp in Art Glass with Original Shade 1930s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Karl Wiedmann
Located in Tilburg, NL
Karl Wiedmann Art Deco WMF Table Lamp in Art Glass with Original Shade, Germany, 1930s. Wonderful and very original WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) table lamp designed by K...
Glass, Art Glass
unique art deco IKORA Glass table light base by Karl Wiedmann WMF, Germany 1950s
By Karl Wiedmann, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Glass table light base by Karl Wiedmann. Producer WMF, Germany, 1950s. This table lamp was designed by Karl Wiedmann in the 1930s and manufactured by WMF in the 1950s. The lamp ...
Metal
Rare Art Deco Glass Table Lamp with Fabric Shade Vienna Around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Rare art deco glass table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced.
Brass
Art Deco nickel wood table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco nickel wood table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s Polished The fabric shade is replaced ( new ) We have 2 different shade colors you can choose from please see l...
Nickel
Art Deco tin Table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco tin Table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s Original condition Only the shade is replaced ( new )
Tin
Art Deco German Ikora Table Lamp from WMF, 1930s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant table lamp from wmf from the 1930s. a functional design. The simple umbrella shape is broken up by an additional cathedral on the top. A very subtle, decorative element on t...
Metal
