1900s Art Déco German Silvered/Plated Metal Pen Tray and Inkwell Decorative Desk Stand by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (Wmf)

Description

Art Déco german silvered/plated metal pen tray and inkwell decorative desk stand by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)

By: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) … more Art Déco german silvered/plated metal pen tray and inkwell decorative desk stand by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)

By: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF)
Material: silver, metal, silver plate
Technique: cast, etched, polished, silvered, plated, molded, metalwork
Dimensions: 14 in x 8 in x 3 in
Date: Early 20th century, circa 1900
Style: Art Déco, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Arts and Crafts, Modernism
Place of origin: Germany

This elegant, german silvered and plated metal desk piece by WMF juxtaposes sleek, modernist lines with ornate decorative detailing. It comprises an elongated pen tray and inkwell etched with intricate motifs. Standing just 3 inches tall, the desk stand exemplifies the transitional elegance of turn-of-the-century design in Europe, bridging historicism, Art Nouveau and emerging Art Déco aesthetics.

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. less