WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik)
1853-present
Founded in 1853 in Geislingen an der Steige, WMF, originally known as Metallwarenfabrik Straub & Schweizer, began as a small metal repair workshop. Within a few decades, and through a sequence of mergers and acquisitions, the company transformed into Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik and became the world’s leading producer and exporter of decorative metalware by the turn of the 20th century.
The foundation of the business was driven by Daniel Straub, a local mill owner, and brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer, experienced metal spinners. Their silver plated tableware gained early acclaim, receiving international recognition at the 1862 Great London Exposition. Just six years later, in 1868, WMF opened its first shop in Berlin, a key step in building what would become a substantial retail network.
Iconic WMF RALEIGH CAR DESK COMPENDIUM Previously sold by Jacksons Antique
In 1880, a merger with Metallwarenfabrik Ritter & Co. of Esslingen formalised the name Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), cementing Geislingen as the company’s operational and manufacturing centre. By the early 1900s, WMF employed over 3,500 people and had become synonymous with Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) design. This success was shaped by Albert Mayer, a sculptor and designer who led the WMF Art Studio from 1884 until 1914. Under Mayer’s direction, the company created refined and imaginative domestic objects that epitomised the artistic ambitions of the era.
During this same period, WMF expanded through several significant acquisitions. These included the Plewkiewicz factory in Warsaw (1886), the Kunstanstalt für Galvanoplastik München in 1890 (renamed the Galvanoplastic Division), and the Austrian firm AK & CIE in 1900. The Galvanoplastic Division was responsible for electroformed statues, bronzes, and reproductions of major Renaissance works. Most notably, WMF secured exclusive casting rights from the Reale Istituto di Belle Arti in Florence to reproduce Ghiberti’s renowned Gates of Paradise.
Further expansion followed with the acquisitions of Orivit AG in 1905, a specialist in Jugendstil pewter, and Orion Kunstgewerbliche Metallwarenfabrik in 1906. WMF often retained the branding of these firms for marketing purposes, simultaneously producing under their names and its own. Products were distributed widely across the Austro Hungarian market, particularly through the AK & CIE branch.
Unusual Roller Skating Cigarette Case by WMF available in our cigarette collection at Jacksons Antique
The First and Second World Wars brought significant change. During the First World War, WMF manufactured arms and claimed destruction of tooling post conflict. However, in the 1930s under Hugo Debach, the company resumed armament production in alignment with German rearmament. By 1940, WMF was relying heavily on forced labour, including Soviet prisoners of war and, by 1944, over 900 Hungarian Jewish women in a company run camp.
Following the war, the company refocused on civilian goods. In 1955, WMF began producing commercial coffee machines for institutions and the hospitality sector. Its modern output included cookware, tableware, appliances, and cutlery, continuing its reputation for design and utility.
Ownership of the company changed hands in the 21st century, with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts acquiring it in 2012, followed by Groupe SEB in 2016. Today, WMF operates under the name WMF GmbH and remains based in Geislingen, now with its headquarters at WMF Platz 1. The company logo, which once featured a walking ostrich, likely from Daniel Straub’s family crest, has evolved over the decades, maintaining brand continuity through successive eras of design.
WMF silver plated decanter / carafe previously sold by Jacksons antique
WMF remains a significant reference point for collectors and scholars alike. Its Jugendstil designs, electroformed sculptures, and high quality household goods reflect a wide spectrum of European decorative history. Whether marked by the iconic ostrich or early Art Nouveau influences, WMF objects continue to capture the imagination of collectors around the world.