The silverware factory was founded in 1805 by Georg Peter Bruckmann in Heilbronn. For five generations, the family business produced artistic products, particularly silver tableware and cutlery. Under the leadership of grandsons Peter (1865-1937) and Ernst Bruckmann, the factory flourished and was known as the largest and most modern German silver factory. Around 1900, important artists worked for Bruckmann, such as Hans Christiansen, Peter Behrens, and Josef Hofmann. The coffee and tea set in the Witte Zwaan collection was made during this period. The set consists of five pieces: a tray, coffeepot, teapot, sugar bowl, and milk jug. The decoration on the tray is partially engraved. The tray is rectangular and has a decorative border of wavy and graceful lines around the outer edge, including the handles, that lie on the surface of the tray. The flowing lines resemble growing plants surrounding the edge of the tray. All tableware items are decorated with daffodils and the lids have a small flower as a bud.