WMF Art Nouveau Style Silver-Plated Pierced Presentation Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter) · WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), Germany. Founded in 1853, WMF is renowned for high-quality silver plate and its prominent role in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) movement.
Pattern: Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) Geometric Leaf Pattern. Characterized by sinuous lines and stylized plant motifs typical of WMF's early 20th-century catalog.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter)
Maker
WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), Germany. Founded in 1853, WMF is renowned for high-quality silver plate and its prominent role in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) movement.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely Alpacca or Nickel-Silver). The yellowish tint visible in worn areas suggests a nickel-alloy base with a thin electrolyte silver coating.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 25-30 cm (approx. 10-12 inches). Estimated weight: 400-600 grams. Standard size for a pastry or bread tray.
Description
An elegant silver-plated shallow tray featuring the signature sinuous lines of the German Jugendstil movement. The rim is decorated with delicate geometric piercings and organic leaf motifs that catch the light. The center bears a commemorative inscription for 20 years of service at the electronics firm Telefunken, adding a personal layer of German industrial history to the piece.
Key Features
Pierced openwork border, stylized leaf chasing, and the '20 Jahre Telefunken' commemorative engraving which provides a definitive date reference.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely Alpacca or Nickel-Silver). The yellowish tint visible in worn areas suggests a nickel-alloy base with a thin electrolyte silver coating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with bright-cut engraving. Features openwork piercing (ajouré) in the rim and chased leaf-tip borders. The center is machine-engraved with German commemorative text.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the image, but would typically be found on the reverse rim. Likely includes 'WMF', 'I/O' (normal thickness plating), or 'Alpacca'.
Construction Details
Die-struck or machine-pressed from a flat sheet. Piercing is likely stamped rather than hand-cut. Edges are rolled for stability.
Functional Features
Wide scalloped rim for easy gripping; shallow well for serving. The engraving indicates a functional use as a 'Jubiläumsteller' (Anniversary Plate).
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handles; the wide pierced rim serves as the grip area. The rim is integrated into the body of the tray.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality production. High-precision stamping and die-work characteristic of WMF's massive production capacity. Hand-finishing is minimal.
Authentication Indicators
Traditional WMF pattern details; engraving style consistent with German corporate gifts of the 1980s; patina and wear consistent with silver-plate rather than sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany, Geislingen an der Steige. WMF is the primary producer for German industrial silver-plated tableware.
Era & Period
Original design from the Art Nouveau/Jugendstil period (1900-1915), though likely manufactured mid-to-late 20th century as a heritage piece.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured circa 1980-1985. The engraving dated 'April 1985' suggests the piece was prepared for a specific 20th-anniversary event at Telefunken.
Cultural Significance
Represents the German tradition of 'Betriebszugehörigkeit' (company loyalty) and the revival of Jugendstil aesthetics in post-war commercial design.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface scratching, tarnish buildup, and visible plate wear (bleed) where the yellowish base metal is showing through the silver layer. Structurally sound.
Value Estimate
€10 – €30. The 15€ price tag visible in the image is a fair market price for a common silver-plated item with specific corporate engraving.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver foam like Wright’s. Avoid heavy polishing as the thin silver layer is already showing wear.
Similar Pieces
Kayserzinn pewter trays (heavier/dull finish) or Christofle silver-plated chargers (finer plating, different marking system).
Interesting Facts
Telefunken was a major German radio and television company; silver-plated trays were standard high-status corporate gifts in Germany for long-term employees during the late 20th century.