A classically Art Nouveau pair of antique-silver plated vases by WMF c1905. Footed tapering body with everted rim and pierced twin handles. Decorated in relief with an Art Nouveau whiplash design incorporating foliate and floral elements. Marked to bases with the WMF ‘running ostrich’ mark (as used 1903-1910). Also marked to bases with ‘B’ (for use of Britannia base metal) and ‘as’ (for antique silver-plated finish). The antique silver finish used by WMF was artificially oxidised to achieve a grey satin finish – this is the original finish that these vases have. The vases are 24.5 cm in height.
 
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.