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).
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Trumpet Chandelier by Reggiani
Located in New York, NY
A Large Iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern Trumpet Form Chandelier with twelve arms in Nickel by Reggiani Each arm is in the form of a trumpet. The piece is designed to accept 12 Edi...
Nickel
Italian Mid-Century Modern Design Double Tier Chandelier in Brass & Nickel
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern double tier chandelier in brass and nickeled metal. The piece has a distinctive form that is both modern and decorative. It has six lower arms and t...
Brass, Nickel
French Wrought Iron Midcentury Candelabra, Centerpiece, Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
French midcentury candelabra in hand wrought iron in the form of twisting volutes. Five arms. Can be used with candles or electrified, ca...
Wrought Iron
Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Chandelier Attr. to Guglielmo Ulrich
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern chandelier / pendant / fixture with 16 arms elegantly set in a circular pattern in the spirit of a neoclassical sunburst. Composition: Elegant soli...
Brass, Metal
French Art Deco Nickel & Opaline Glass Chandelier Attributed to Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
A Dramatic French Art Deco twelve-arm chandelier attributed to the French master designer of the XXth Century, Jacques Adnet. The work is composed of three parallel levels of nickele...
Chrome
French Modern Neoclassical Wrought Iron Chandelier, Gilbert Poillerat, 1940
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical partially gilt wrought iron chandelier with six arms in the style of the French master ironworker of the 1940 period, Gilbert Poille...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF Silver Plated Modern Candelabra Candle Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF Silver Plated Modern Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 10" W x 10" D.
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Silver-Plated Four-Light Candelabra, Denmark
By Carl Frederik Christiansen, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant mid-century modern silver-plated candelabra in the style of Carl F. Christiansen or Wilhelm Wagenfeld. This four-light candleholder features gracefully curved tubular arms th...
Silver Plate
Danish Mid-Century Modern Six-Arm Silver Plate Candelabra, 1960s
Located in Memphis, TN
A sculptural Danish six-arm candleholder in silver plate, dating to the mid-20th century. Six slender, curving arms radiate organically from a compact central form, each terminating ...
Metal
Tommi Parzinger Candelabra, Silver Plate Over Brass, Mid-Century
By Tommi Parzinger, Oneida
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tommi Parzinger Candlestick Candelabra Trident form, art deco lines and geometry. Silver plate over brass. Unsigned.
Silver Plate, Brass
Gunnar Ander Mid-Century Silver-Plated Candelabras, Swedish Design
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant pair of mid-century candelabras is attributed to Gunnar Ander, whose distinctive approach to form is evident in the lively, asymmetrical rhythm of the arms and the refin...
Silver
Sculptural Five-Arm Metal Candelabra, Attila Demcsik, Hungary, circa 1980
Located in Debrecen, HU
An expressive example of late 20th-century Hungarian metalwork, characterized by five sweeping curved arms arranged at different heights around a strong central axis. Wide, shallow c...
Metal
