WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Plated Silver Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Platter) · WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), a prominent German metalware manufacturer founded in 1880 through the merger of Straub & Sohn and A. Ritter & Co. Known globally for high-quality domestic metal goods and Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) silverwork.
Pattern: Utility or standard serving tray line, distinguished by a simple stepped or rounded rim border.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Platter)
Maker
WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), a prominent German metalware manufacturer founded in 1880 through the merger of Straub & Sohn and A. Ritter & Co. Known globally for high-quality domestic metal goods and Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) silverwork.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver over a base metal, likely brass, nickel silver, or Britannia metal).
Dimensions
Estimated medium-to-large serving tray, approximately 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in diameter.
Description
A classic circular silver-plated serving tray by the renowned German manufacturer WMF. The piece exhibits a wide reflective surface showing heavy use, scratches, and a vibrant spectrum of tarnish colours ranging from golden yellow to deep purple and blue. The manufacturer's distinctive ostrich stamp and serial number are clearly legible on the face and rim.
Key Features
Clear WMF ostrich hallmark, stamped inventory number '555906', simple stepped rim design, and heavy industrial silver plating over base metal.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver over a base metal, likely brass, nickel silver, or Britannia metal).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish base with extensive surface scratching and heavy tarnish with iridescent oxidation patches. Plain wide rim with stepped contour and no elaborate engravings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible WMF ostrich logo maker's mark inside a geometric cartouche, alongside code letters indicating plating technique/composition (such as 'I/O' indicating normal silver plating thickness). An individual serial or inventory number '555906' is stamped near the rim edge.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun sheet metal base with applied or formed rim border, standard commercial manufacturing for early to mid-20th-century European hollowware.
Functional Features
Wide flat circular surface designed for serving tea sets, decanters, or glassware, featuring a raised rim to prevent items from sliding off.
Handle & Grip Details
Tray form without dedicated handles, relying on the perimeter rim for lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-stamped and polished production typical of mid-century European factory output, prioritizing utility and durability over hand-wrought artistry.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic WMF logo stamp within a geometric frame is consistent with historical factory markings. Stamped serial number conforms to German industrial inventory numbering practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
Geislingen an der Steige, Germany. Produced under the industrial manufacturing standards of WMF.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century or Art Deco transition era, circa 1920-1950 based on standard WMF mark usage.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1950, determined by the style of the WMF ostrich hallmark stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of elegant table service in European households through durable electroplated home goods.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The surface shows heavy scratching, scuffs, and distinct tarnish/oxidation spots across the field. The plating remains largely intact without obvious base metal bleed-through, though it shows significant signs of age and active use.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between $40 to $120 USD, heavily dependent on the extent of surface wear and local demand for vintage European silver plate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle silver cream (such as Wright's Silver Cream) applied with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh abrasive pads to prevent worsening the existing surface scratches. Store in an anti-tarnish bag.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated circular trays by manufacturers like Christofle, Wiskemann, or Rockford Silver Plate Company.
Interesting Facts
WMF became the largest producer and exporter of household metalware in Germany prior to World War I, collaborating with famous designers and art schools including the Bauhaus.