1920s WMF German Cigar Cigarette Smoking Set

Details

Description

A rare brass and crystal smoking set, including a matchbox holder and ashtray unit, designed to work alongside the resting … Read more A rare brass and crystal smoking set, including a matchbox holder and ashtray unit, designed to work alongside the resting cigar/cigarette tray. Manufactured by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) in Germany, this specific set highlights the transition between late Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) and the early Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century.

The matchbox holder and ashtray unit features an integrated arched handle, which supports a slide-in sleeve designed to hold a matchbox upright. The brass base features a removable, square crystal glass dish that functions as the primary ash reservoir.

The cigar ashtray piece features two cigar-sized rests (suitable for cigarettes as well) along with a matching, removable crystal glass dish insert.

Both pieces feature geometric, relief-stamped brass crests on the front and back-facing sides, along with a lightly hammered finish.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, WMF was world-renowned for domestic metalware. While they are most famous for their silver-plated execution, they produced exceptional standalone geometric brass and copper desk novelties. These pieces remain highly sought after by collectors specializing in early German smoking antiquities.

The pieces have been cleaned and lightly polished to maintain a sense of history and light patina. A maker's stamp can be found on the bottom of each piece. See less