A good, heavy-duty German WMF silver plated teapot stamped "Wurtt Metall W Fabrik", an abreviation for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik ( Württemberg metal factory), and "Geislingen Steig", the southern German town where the factory was based.  It also bears an arrow mark, indicating it was for military use - and was most probably made for an English officer's mess.

History

The Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) was founded in 1853. The factory's main production was of metal and electroplated household wares.  From the late nineteenth century to the First World War the WMF art studio - run by the sculptor Albert Mayer - had a staff of anonymous designers, modellers and craftsmen, who were required to turn out designs in the prevailing style, whether historical or modern; their most famed being Art Nouveau metalware.

By 1950, silverplated tableware and cutlery accounted for two thirds of WMF's turnover. There was also an increase in the volume of trade in household and kitchenware items between WMF and specialist retail shops, along with the production of an extensive range of plated silver ware for the hotel and catering industry – such as this handsome officer’s mess teapot.

Height 14cm  Diameter 9.5cm  Width from spout to handle 19cm

Volume: 0.5 litre

Country of origin: Germany

Date of manufacture: mid 20th century

Maker: WMF

Material: electro-plated silver nickel

Condition: good, considering its 60 years of service, with plenty light scratch marks and a small dimple knock to its bottom edge, all of which add to its character and reflect its history.