Antique WMF German Jugendstil Art Nouveau Silver Plated Table Mirror c1915

This is a particularly good one. The W over MF mark identifies it as WMF – Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik of Geislingen, Germany, and the restrained geometric decoration places it right in that fascinating transition from Jugendstil/Art Nouveau towards Art Deco, probably around c.1910–1920. A very similar WMF mirror is catalogued as circa 1915.

Antique WMF German Jugendstil Silver Plated Table Mirror – c.1910–1920

Displayed with other items illustration only not included

A striking early 20th century WMF dressing table or vanity mirror, made in Germany by the renowned Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik.

The wonderfully architectural frame has a distinctly forward-looking design, combining the flowing elegance of Jugendstil with the strong linear and geometric forms that would soon develop into Art Deco. Stepped linear decoration follows the shaped mirror plate, complemented by pierced sections, stylised fan-like motifs and squared geometric details.

The silver-coloured frame sits over its original wooden back and retains the traditional folding metal easel support, allowing the mirror to stand freely on a dressing table, chest of drawers or mantelpiece.

Importantly, the rear fitting carries the distinctive W over MF within a square maker's mark, identifying the manufacturer as WMF. Similar stacked W/MF marks were employed by the company during the early 20th century, while the design of this mirror is consistent with WMF production of around the 1910s.

About WMF

Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik was created in 1880 through the merger of Straub & Sohn with A. Ritter & Co. of Esslingen. The company rapidly became one of Germany's foremost decorative metalware manufacturers and, around the turn of the 20th century, became internationally celebrated for its Jugendstil designs. Under the artistic direction of Albert Mayer, WMF produced some of the most recognisable European Art Nouveau metalwork of the period. By 1910 its Geislingen works employed around 4,000 people and its catalogues were being produced in twelve languages, with branches including London, Vienna and Warsaw.

WMF was also an important innovator in electroplating, patenting its specialist hard silver-plating process in the 1890s. Although often casually described as "silver", pieces of this type should be regarded as silver-plated decorative metal rather than solid silver unless separate precious-metal hallmarks are present.

Condition

A genuine antique piece with plenty of character. There is age-related surface wear, scratching, darkening, pitting and areas of deterioration to the plated finish, particularly around some of the raised decoration and recessed areas. I would leave this exactly as it is rather than attempting aggressive polishing; the aged surface is part of its appeal.

The wooden back shows expected marks and wear from use and the easel support remains present. The mirror plate appears well preserved overall with light age-related marks visible on close inspection. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Price

£695.

There is quite a gulf between ordinary decorative mirrors and genuine marked WMF examples. A comparable WMF table mirror sold at auction for €800 in July 2025, while specialist dealers currently ask considerably more: one closely related transitional Art Nouveau/Art Deco WMF mirror is offered at $2,125, and another larger example at $2,400.

This example has some minor surface deterioration, the WMF name and excellent design this is a genuine marked wmf large very heavy mirror!! Please do not confuse this with inferior copies!!

Antique WMF German Jugendstil Art Nouveau Silver Plated Table Mirror c1915

This will definitely sell on the WMF name, rather than simply as an Art Nouveau mirror — the maker is a major part of its appeal.