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).
Silver Tobacco Box, Italy, Lucca, by Marchi Carlo, 1970s
Located in Rīga, LV
Silver tobacco box, Marchi Carlo, Italy, Lucca, 1970s Additional Information: Materials: Silver, silver 925* Vintage from the 1950s Artist/Maker: Marchi Carlo Artist/Maker Dat...
Silver
Silver Compact, Italy, Florence by Corti Sirio, 1950s
Located in Rīga, LV
Silver compact, Corti Sirio, Italy, Florence, 1950s Additional Information: Materials: Silver, mirror, silver 925* Vintage from the 1950s Artist/Maker: Corti Sirio Place of Or...
Silver
Silver compact, A/S L. Rosenthal, Latvia, 1920s - 1930s
Located in Rīga, LV
This Latvian Art Deco silver compact was made by A/S L. Rosenthal in Latvia in the 1920s–1930s. The compact has a small round silver body with a gilded interior and an original mirro...
Silver
Silver and Guilloche Enamel Box, Austria, Vienna, 1930s
Located in Rīga, LV
An Austrian silver and guilloché enamel box, made in Vienna in the 1930s. The box is rectangular in shape and decorated on the lid with...
Silver, Enamel
Silver Compact with Enamel, United Kingdom by H. Clifford Davis Ltd., 1953
By Henry Clifford Davis
Located in Rīga, LV
Silver compact with guilloche enamel, H. Clifford Davis Ltd., United Kingdom, Birmingham, 1953 Additional Information: Materials: Silver, enamel, silver 925* Vintage from the 19...
Silver, Enamel
Silver and Enamel Pillbox, Russia by ВA, 1899 - 1908
Located in Rīga, LV
Silver and enamel pillbox, ВА, Russia (Russian Empire), Moscow, 1899 - 1908 Additional Information: Materials: Silver, enamel, gilding, silver 84* (875*) Vintage from the 1900s ...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Austrian Engine Turned 13 Loth Silver Snuff Box or Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Austrian silver snuff or dresser box. In 13 loth (.815 fineness) silver. With engine-turned engraved decoration throughout and a gilt interior. With empty cartouches to the lid and base for a monogram. With hallmarks to the interior. Dated for 1860. Simply a wonderful antique Austrian silver box...
Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Box by Wang Hing, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique solid Chinese Export Silver cigarette box; an addition to our diverse silver box collection This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette box has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners. The surface of the body of the box is plain with an applied molded border to the rim. The subtly domed hinged cover of the box is ornamented with the contemporary engraved monograph initials ‘CBK’ in addition to a moulded border to the rim. The hallmarks struck to the underside of this impressive box include: Maker's mark: WH (Wang Hing & Company) Silver quality/purity mark: 90 (900/1000) Character mark: Untraced. Note: The majority of such boxes have a wood lining to the interior to provide strength, due to a poor gauge of silver; a sign of quality when examples are unlined and of solid silver. Condition This antique cigarette box...
Silver
WMF Art Deco Round Silver Plated Box with Glass Insert, Germany, 1910s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
WMF German Art Deco Round Silver Plated Box with Lid. A small Art Deco delicate silver plated box with nice details. Made in Germany. Silver-plated Art Deco WMF box...
Silver Plate
French Art Deco Silver Snuff Box, Circa 1922
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant French Art Deco silver snuff box dating to circa 1922, crafted in a compact rectangular form characteristic of refined personal acc...
Silver
Small Dutch 19th Century Silver Lodderein or Snuff Box by Dirk de Gilde Koppenol
Located in Delft, NL
Small Dutch 19th Century Silver Lodderein or Snuff Box by Dirk de Gilde Koppenol A Lodderein box or a snuff box in rectangular shape with filigree motif The Silversmith is Dirk de ...
Silver
Belle Époque Silver Snuff Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant Belle Époque silver snuff box dating to the early 20th century, finely crafted in a compact rectangular form and bearing a silver hallmark. Originally intended for holding s...
Silver
