Pair of Early 20th Century Jugendstil/Art Nouveau Silver Napkin Rings and Decorative Box by German Company Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (Wmf)

Pair of early 20th century Jugendstil/Art Nouveau silver napkin rings and decorative box by german manufacturer Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)

By: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)
Material: silver, wood, thread, velvet, cord, fabric, metal, silver plate
Technique: cast, gilt, patinated, polished, metalwork, silvered, plated
Dimensions: 7.5 in x 5 in x 3.5 in
Date: Late 19th Century, circa 1885
Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Arts and Crafts
Place of origin: Germany

This is a set of two napkin rings made of gilt, patinated and polished silver, with carved decoration. Both rings feature figures of young boys climbing up one side of the napkin holder. The edges of each piece show the markings ‘WMF’ (manufacturer’s hallmark), ‘I/O’ (purity mark; in this case it means regular silver coating is used) and ‘ig’ (process of the silver; in this case it means it’s gilt).

They come with a decorative box to rest the rings, made of wood lined with fabric inside and a velvet surface surrounded by an ornamental rope.

WMF is the abbreviation for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, which in English means Wurtemberg Metalware Factory. WMF was created in 1880 after the successful merger of two Wurtemberg foundries, the Geislingen factory and the Esslingen factory. The first foundry was commercially more successful, while the second one was using a more advanced technology of galvanic silver deposition. In 1881 the Esslingen factory was dismantled and its equipment was incorporated into the Geislingen foundry. During the next thirty years WMF experienced a period of rapid expansion, which lasted until the beginning of the World War in 1914.

The WMF silver-plated production made this period of time (1880-1914) is extremely popular among western antiques collectors. This is because these tableware and household items are considered as the best samples of Jugendstil/Art Nouveau style.

Some wear and tear is visible on the exterior and interior of the accompanying box for the set, resulting from repeated use over time, as evidenced in the listing photos.