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Lot Essay
The metalware firm founded by Daniel Straub in 1853 evolved in 1880 into the Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik (W.M.F.) following the merger of Straub & Schweizer of Geislingen and A. Ritter & Co. of Esslingen. Production was concentrated on pewter and electroplated household wares, and electrotyped reproductions of historical metalwares. Earlier pieces bear a "W.M.F." stamp accompanied by a trademark ostrich; later marks often include more abstract renderings of the company initials.
From the late 19th century until WWI, the firm's design studio was administered by the sculptor Albert Mayer, who oversaw a team of designers, modelers and craftsmen in the mass-production of historical and modern (Jugendstil) wares in silver-plated Brittania metal, a lightweight alloy of tin, antimony and copper that could be oxidized to provide a matt finish. A review of the firm's catalogues from the period, published in German and English, the latter for an export market that included Liberty & Company in London, shows that whereas much of its modernist production was adapted from the creations of outside artists, such as Albino Muller of Darmstadt, some was of a striking originality.
From the late 19th century until WWI, the firm's design studio was administered by the sculptor Albert Mayer, who oversaw a team of designers, modelers and craftsmen in the mass-production of historical and modern (Jugendstil) wares in silver-plated Brittania metal, a lightweight alloy of tin, antimony and copper that could be oxidized to provide a matt finish. A review of the firm's catalogues from the period, published in German and English, the latter for an export market that included Liberty & Company in London, shows that whereas much of its modernist production was adapted from the creations of outside artists, such as Albino Muller of Darmstadt, some was of a striking originality.