Attractive WMF Jugendstil silver plated tazza centrepiece c1900. Pedestal centrepiece with twin whiplash handles. Pierced stylised decoration to bowl rim, pedestal base and handles. Stamped marks to pedestal base: WMF export mark used 1895-1903 (located under handle attachment – shown in images), EP NS (electroplated nickel silver), I/0 OX (oxidised antique silver plate). Marks also present inside base. The tazza is 23 cm (maximum height), bowl diameter is 19 cm.
 
WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) traces its origins back to 1853 when the Straub & Schweizer metal works in Geislingen, Germany was established. They merged with Ritter & Co in 1880 – but after financial problems, joined with the Wurttemberg Union Bank to form “WMF”. From its founding as one company, WMF's growth was tremendous - acquiring more factories along the way, notably including "Orivit AG" and "Orion KM". By the end of the 1900's, they were the world's largest producer and exporter of household metalware. For information on WMF visit our Maker's History pages.