In the land of silver – Hefra brand

I have often wondered how in Western Europe there can be so many old manufactories, sometimes existing for hundreds of years. And in our country it is quite crumbling. Of course, many wars, nationalization of estates, or communist repression have done their part. So it’s no wonder, that’s why we should appreciate Polish brands with history with even more fascination. There may not always be continuity of market prosperity and legitimate owners, but it is what it is. We have had many twists and turns in history, and any company that existed before the war arouses curiosity and admiration.

Premium products originate in small European manufactories. Manufactured by hand, with great care, they show us the story of a true brand that is not afraid of its past. It is also not afraid to stand up to a new war for the customer and measure itself against the future. With a market full of blandness and mediocrity. It’s difficult, especially since we counterfeit everything we can today and ultimately don’t know what is original.

Today I would like to introduce you to the Hefra brand. Which successfully continues more than 200 years of tradition of making beautiful silver-plated and silver products. I visited the company’s store in Warsaw and had a pleasant conversation with Hefra’s CEO Ms. Ewa Bałdyga, for which I would like to thank her.

Ms. Eve, thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to hear the candid story of Hefra. I am all the more pleased that it is Hefra with its luxury goods that is in the Luxury Products. I look forward to working with you, and I think that in my article I will convey to our readers how important a place your company occupies on the craft and factory map of Poland.

Please tell us What history does the Hefra brand carry and what did your products do on the famous ship Batory?

Good morning

HEFRA is currently the only Polish manufacturer of cutlery and tableware that produces products entirely in silver, plated with silver or made of stainless steel. We continue the nearly 200-year tradition of the founders of the Fraget brothers and the Henneberg brothers. Invariably for decades, the brand has been offering its customers exclusive tableware items of the highest quality. Their sublime shapes intertwine modern technology along with tradition and experience.

The company’s origins date back to 1824, when Alphonse Fraget, an entrepreneur who came from France, established a platinum factory that was modern for the time. The technologically advanced factory immediately became a valued supplier of exquisite silverware and plateware to the wealthy elite, aristocracy and the most influential people in Poland and around the world. The success quickly woke up the competition. One of the Fraget brothers’ former employees, Julius Joseph Henneberg, opened his own “silver” business in 1856. After World War I, both Fraget and Henneberg boasted excellent sales figures. The factories supplied major hotels and casinos, ministries and government institutions. Fraget’s tableware even appeared on the first voyage of the ship “Batory”, which sailed from Gdynia to America in 1936.

After World War II, both the Fraget and Henneberg Brothers factories were largely destroyed and looted and nationalized. The products regained a chance for their former glory only on January 1, 1965, when it was decided to merge the Fraget factory with the Henneberg plant. The now well-known HEFRA brand was created from the founders’ names. Nearly 200 years later, both silver and plated products continue to find recognition from customers, and the history of Fraget and Henneberg products, continues to be written.

What sets Hefra apart from other old Polish companies?

For example, they offer cutlery that has been manufactured for more than 100 years. Customers appreciate this very much, as they can, for example, complete missing pieces of tableware without having to buy a whole new set. HEFRA, as in the old days, today stands for splendor and functions as a desirable gift for all special occasions, from weddings to more intimate celebrations.

All cutlery is handmade by artisans with years of experience. Products at each stage of production undergo quality control. In addition to aesthetic qualities, the cutlery also has antibacterial properties. And in addition, silver cutlery (no nickel content) is purchased by people struggling with allergies.

How does Hefra combine old craft methods with modern technology?

One of HEFRA’s hallmarks is that its cutlery and tableware are produced largely by artisanal methods. And in this regard, not much has changed over these nearly 200 years. HEFRA is still an intimate factory where a significant part of production is based on the work of human hands. Grinding, brushing, polishing, refining the ornaments on the individual handles – it’s all handmade, artistic work. Thus, we can take pride in the fact that each HEFRY cutlery has been individually refined and polished to eventually reach our tables and please our eyes with its perfect workmanship. It is an added value to our silverware and plateware that they have not come out of mass, mechanical production, but are the product of artisan work.

Is the brand entirely Polish?

Warsaw Plater Factory is a 100% Polish company. Cutlery offered by Hefra is made in Poland using Polish materials. A manufacturer’s certificate is issued for each cutlery set. The brand has received numerous awards and recognition for its support of the Polish economy and craftsmanship. It has been awarded, among others, the prize given in the “100% Polish Product” plebiscite of the “Do Rzeczy” weekly, and was also presented at the Polish Economic Exhibition orgaznized by the President of the Republic of Poland.

What will young people find in Hefra?

Tradition has it that a young couple should move into their new home with their own spoon. This is why it is such a popular wedding gift to give the newlyweds a set of cutlery. But Hefra’s products are dedicated not only to newlyweds. Young people greatly appreciate handmade products that are unique and not mass-produced. HEFRA cutlery is also goods that raise status and testify to good taste. Such tableware is a great addition to the home. It is also important that this type of cutlery ceases to be only products for so-called special occasions. Young people are well aware of the antibacterial properties of silver, known for centuries, so they use the items on a daily basis. They also appreciate that it is a Polish and classic product that will work well in many table arrangements during important family gatherings.

How is Hefra’s most famous collection related to Polish history?

Most of the collection, among HEFRA’s thirteen models, is linked to history. This is because a considerable number of them date back to the 19th century, and their creator was Jozef Fraget, one of HEFRA’s founding fathers. The names of HEFRA’s cutlery models themselves refer to Polish history, such as the Duchy of Warsaw, or to other European cultures, such as the Oriental Eastern or Roman models. The creators of HEFRY’s models wanted in this way not only to emphasize the quality and prestige of the cutlery collection, but also, through such universal names, to make the products timeless and memorable to this day.

The collection also includes the Imperial model, which was created to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the HEFRA Warsaw Plater Factory, as well as the then-approaching 100th anniversary of Poland’s independence. To give prominence to this collection, this model is produced exclusively in silver.

Do you produce special order items?

All Hefra products can be gilded. This form of ordering is also quite popular. It is also possible to make any shape, but this is a separate process that takes longer. Hefra’s customers, however, can choose from a really wide assortment. In addition to cutlery, the offer includes, for example, silver chess pieces, sugar bowls, fruit baskets, etc.

What was the craziest order?

Every day we receive many orders, more or less standard. However, in the case of silver and silver-plated cutlery, or tableware, it is difficult to talk about “madness”. Customers appreciate in our products their dignity and beauty of workmanship. What can distinguish HEFRY cutlery or accessories is, of course, engraving. And here, most often, our customers individually choose initials, dates or special characters.

Certainly one of the most interesting events in HEFRA’s life, was the handing over of the “Stork” birthday spoon to the newborn Prince Louis. The teaspoon, engraved with the prince’s name, date and time of his birth, was sent to the UK. In addition, we carry out a lot of orders for so-called souvenirs or gadgets for museum stores, such as spoons with an engraving of a mermaid for the Warsaw Museum, or with an image of Frederic Chopin, for museums dedicated to this artist.

We take great pride in the orders carried out for the Office of the President, the Prime Minister’s Office or Embassies, where we also often carry out custom orders. We are always open to suggestions and willing to take on new challenges.

What should a modern Poland brand have in it?

Poles are tired of the repetitiveness of goods and having the same thing as the neighbor in the proverbial block next door. Cutlery has become so common that it is practically impossible to guess at first glance who the manufacturer is. This is not the case with HEFRA. Our products are a brand in themselves. Poles are increasingly looking for originality in products, but also for quality. That’s why hand-finished tableware has once again appeared on Polish tables, and HEFRA in the consciousness of customers.

Is silver a good idea for diversifying an investment portfolio?

The purchase of silver in the form of handmade tableware is a capital for many long years. At any time you can put such a product on the table, which will give a magnificent character to an important celebration. It is something very tangible and authentic, but also valuable. It is a great idea to invest funds. Purchases are usually thoughtful, because Poles pay attention to what they invest in, and in this case, also what we call “table jewelry”, because they use it. Simply put. Alternative investments today cover an extremely wide range of products and services. In an age of all sorts of opportunities and offerings in the investment market, it is sometimes difficult to estimate what is worth investing in. However, a brand like HEFRA has been around for nearly 200 years and produces items made with extreme precision and to a consistently high standard. In addition, it is worth adding that silver, like gold, will always be a valuable bullion.

Ms. Eve thank you for the pleasant and edifying meeting. After the war, our country lost many valuable monuments, and this was also the case with manufactories. Therefore, today we hear more and more about the resurrection of pre-war brands. In my opinion, this is the right direction, the right way and a recipe for ubiquitous mass production. People are increasingly looking for real and original inspiration for their interiors. Hefra is one such inspiration. Its history proves the steadfastness, strength and commitment of its employees to their brand.

Long-established companies should show their rich history, without any misrepresentation. That is, simply be honest in what they do, and that is a luxury. At the same time, look to the future in line with new technologies, without forgetting the old art of craftsmanship. Luxury Products are hundreds of old European manufactories with an extremely rich history. I am glad that the Hefra brand is with us!