WMF Ikora Silverplate Oval Tray or Dish
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Dish) · Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), Geislingen, Germany. Founded in 1853, WMF is a world-renowned manufacturer of metalware known for high-quality production and collaborations with avant-garde designers.
Pattern: Ikora Collection. Introduced in the 1920s; this specific silverplate line gained mass popularity in the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Dish)
Maker
Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), Geislingen, Germany. Founded in 1853, WMF is a world-renowned manufacturer of metalware known for high-quality production and collaborations with avant-garde designers.
Material
Silverplate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Features the 'Ikora' tarnish-resistant finish, which is a specialized coating designed to prevent oxidation.
Dimensions
Estimated length 25-30 cm; width 15-20 cm. Weight is moderate for silverplate, likely approximately 400-600 grams.
Description
This WMF Ikora dish exemplifies the clean, sculptural lines of mid-20th-century German design. The Ikora line used a secretive 'tarnish-proof' coating that gave the silver a distinct, slightly golden or warm luster compared to traditional sterling. Designed for the modern home, it combined industrial efficiency with elegant, organic shapes.
Key Features
Tarnish-resistant Ikora finish; original blue foil label; characteristic WMF 'tower' hallmark; industrial screw-mount construction.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Features the 'Ikora' tarnish-resistant finish, which is a specialized coating designed to prevent oxidation.
Finish & Decoration
Brushed or satin-finished interior surface with a polished rim. Minimalist, functionalist design typical of German Modernism and Mid-Century aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A blue and silver foil 'WMF-IKORA' adhesive label remains on the base. Below it is an impressed WMF tower mark, the 'Ikora' brand stamp, and 'Germany'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck oval form. The base features two visible screw-head fasteners with black protective washers, used to secure a handle or tiered hardware (now missing or on the reverse).
Functional Features
Tarnish-resistant coating allows for low-maintenance display. The screw assembly indicates this might have been part of a larger service tray or a handled 'tid-bit' dish.
Handle & Grip Details
The screws on the underside suggest a bail handle or a central handle (missing in this view) was attached through the floor of the tray.
Craftsmanship Details
Sturdy industrial quality with precise stamping. The use of mechanical fasteners instead of soldering is a hallmark of WMF’s efficient 20th-century manufacturing style.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the original foil label and the distinct stamped WMF logo on the underside are definitive signs of authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Germany (Geislingen an der Steige) at the WMF factory, maintaining high industrial standards for export to global markets.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). While Ikora started in the Art Deco era, the labeling and construction seen here are characteristic of post-WWII production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The style of the foil sticker and the 'Germany' stamp suggest the height of the MCM export period.
Cultural Significance
WMF pieces from this era represent the democratization of design, bringing high-quality German modernism into middle-class homes across Europe and America.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. The exterior shows light surface scratches and minor pitting consistent with age. One screw has a black rubber washer while the other appears to be missing its gasket or uses a different metal spacer.
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $65.00 USD. Value is highest when the foil label is intact and the finish remains bright without 'pepper spots' or coating loss.
Care & Maintenance
Do NOT use abrasive silver polishes or dips, as they will strip the Ikora protective coating. Wipe only with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately to preserve the tarnish-resistant layer.
Similar Pieces
Christofle (France) silverplate or Alessi (Italy) stainless steel trays. WMF Ikora items often compete with Georg Jensen stainless steel in aesthetic, though they are at different price points.
Interesting Facts
The Ikora process was originally developed as a technique for multicolored patination on metal, but later evolved into this clear-coated silverplate line that became a staple of mid-century gifting.