Silver-Plated Tea & Coffee Service by WMF
Peek into the teapot of this Art Deco silver service and experience the thrill of discovery while reading the 1941 French note found tucked inside
Discovered with a lovely French calling card still sitting inside the tea pot, this fascinating find appears to have been a gift from renowned Swiss watchmaker Maurice Favre to newlywed friends. Based on its condition, the couple may have preferred to display it rather than put it to use, or they may have reserved it for exceptionally special occasions. The mirror-finish Art Deco tea and coffee set features iconic stepped spouts, as well as amber bakelite finials and handles.
The text of the note translates as follows:
"On behalf of the Director of the Swiss Balancers Factory, I extend to Mademoiselle Juilla, as well as her fiancé, sincere congratulations and wishes of prosperity and happiness on the occasion of their upcoming marriage."
| Creator/Attribution: | Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) |
| Style: | Art Deco |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Age: | 1930s |
| Material: | Electroplated Nickel Silver, Bakelite |
| Color: | Silver, Amber |
| Dimensions: | Tea Pot: 6.00" x 7.25" Coffee Pot: 6.75" x 4.25" Sugar Bowl: 4.00" x 5.50" Creamer: 4.00" x 4.25" |
| Weight: | Tea Pot: 13.63 oz. Coffee Pot: 1.25 lbs. Sugar Bowl: 6.85 oz. Creamer: 4.25 oz. |
| Condition: | Wear Consistent with Age and Use: Scratches, Minor Dents, Discoloration, Etc. |
| References: |
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
Maurice Favre (1888-1961) was a “master watchcase maker,” known for his chased gold and silver fob-watch cases. Revered in the Swiss-watchmaking community, a bronze bust of his likeness is featured at the entrance of the UNESCO-recognized Musée International d'Horlogerie (The International Clockmaking Museum) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Founded in 1853, Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) traces its roots to a metal factory integral in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, Europe’s steepest railway line in the mid-1800s. It went on to produce decorative metalware and by 1862, WMF had already garnered a prestigious gold medal at the World Exhibition in London. Now highly sought-after, WMF special collections were created by famous designers such as Breuhaus de Groot, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Kurt Radtke, and Paul Hastein, to name a few.
