WMF ink wells and ink stands

WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) is a German company that was founded in 1853 by Daniel Straub as a small metalware factory in Geislingen an der Steige, a town in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The company became known as the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik in 1880, following the merger of Straub & Schweizer of Geislingen and A. Ritter & Co. of Esslingen. The factory's main production was of metal and electroplated household wares, but they also made electrotype reproductions of historical metalware.

Initially, WMF produced household items such as cutlery, scissors, and kitchen tools, but the company expanded its product range over the years to include decorative metal objects and luxury goods such as champagne buckets and candelabras. WMF also became known for its innovative designs, which incorporated elements of Art Nouveau and other contemporary art movements.

In the early 20th century, WMF began to produce silver-plated tableware and other decorative more... objects, which were popular among the growing middle class in Europe and the United States. WMF's silver-plated items were distinguished by their high quality and attention to detail, and the company won numerous awards for its designs at international exhibitions.

During World War II, WMF's factories were damaged and appropriated and production was severely curtailed. After the war, the company struggled to recover, but by the 1960s, WMF had once again become a major producer of high-quality metalware.

In the late 20th century, WMF expanded into other areas such as cookware and coffee machines, and the company has continued to innovate with new materials and technologies. Today, WMF is a global brand with a presence in over 100 countries, and the company's products are known for their quality, durability, and design. less...