In the land of silver – the Hefra brand

I’ve often wondered how there can be so many old manufactories in Western Europe, some of them existing for hundreds of years, while here it’s quite a different story. Of course, numerous wars, nationalization of property, and communist repression have all taken their toll. So it’s no surprise, and that’s why we should appreciate Polish brands with history even more. There may not always be an unbroken presence on the market or rightful owners, but it is what it is. We’ve faced many historical twists and turns, and every company that existed before the war sparks our curiosity and admiration.

Premium products originate from small European workshops. Handcrafted with great care, they tell the story of a true brand that isn’t afraid of its past. Nor is it afraid to face a new battle for the customer and confront the future. A market flooded with mediocrity and poor quality. It’s a challenge—especially today, when everything that can be copied is copied, and in the end, we no longer know what’s truly original.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to the Hefra brand, which has been successfully continuing a tradition of crafting exquisite silver-plated and sterling silver products for over 200 years. I visited their flagship store in Warsaw and had a delightful conversation with Hefra’s CEO, Ms. Ewa Bałdyga, for which I am truly grateful.

Ms. Ewa, thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to hear the honest story of Hefra. I am especially pleased that it is Hefra, with its luxury goods, that is featured in. I look forward to our collaboration and I believe that in my article I will convey to our readers how important a place your company holds on Poland’s artisanal and industrial map.

Could you tell us about the history behind the Hefra brand and what your products were doing on the famous Batory ship?

Good Morning

HEFRA is currently the only Polish manufacturer of cutlery and tableware that produces items entirely from silver, silver-plated, or made of stainless steel. We continue the nearly 200-year-old tradition established by the Fraget brothers and the Henneberg brothers. For decades, the brand has consistently offered its clients exclusive, top-quality tableware pieces. Their refined shapes blend modern technology with tradition and craftsmanship.

The origins of the company date back to 1824, when entrepreneur Alfons Fraget, newly arrived from France, established a factory for silver-plated wares that was considered cutting-edge for its time. This technologically advanced facility quickly became a renowned supplier of exquisite silver and silver-plated items to the wealthy elite, aristocracy, and the most influential individuals in Poland and abroad. The company’s success soon sparked competition. In 1856, Juliusz Józef Henneberg, a former employee of the Fraget brothers, launched his own “silver” business. After World War I, both Fraget and Henneberg could boast excellent sales results. Their factories supplied the most prestigious hotels and casinos, as well as ministries and government institutions. Fraget’s tableware even appeared on the maiden 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, looted, and nationalized. The products regained their chance for former glory only on January 1, 1965, when it was decided to merge the Fraget factory with the Henneberg plants. The well-known HEFRA brand was created from the founders’ surnames. Nearly 200 years later, both silver and silver-plated products continue to be appreciated by customers, and the story of Fraget and Henneberg products is still being written.

What sets Hefra apart from other historic Polish companies?

The range includes, for example, cutlery that has been produced for over 100 years. Customers greatly appreciate this, as it allows them to replace missing pieces of their tableware without having to purchase an entirely new set. HEFRA, just as in the past, stands for splendor today and serves as a coveted gift for all special occasions, from weddings to more intimate celebrations.

All cutlery is handcrafted by artisans with years of experience. Each piece undergoes quality control at every stage of production. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the cutlery also has antibacterial properties. What’s more, silver cutlery (nickel-free) is often chosen by people dealing with allergies.

How does Hefra combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology?

One of HEFRA’s distinguishing features is that its cutlery and tableware are largely crafted by hand. In this respect, little has changed over the course of nearly 200 years. HEFRA remains an intimate factory where a significant part of production relies on skilled human hands. Grinding, brushing, polishing, perfecting the ornaments on each handle—all of this is meticulous, artisanal work. That’s why we take pride in the fact that every piece of HEFRA cutlery has been individually refined and perfected before it reaches our tables, delighting the eye with its flawless craftsmanship. This is the added value of our silverware and silver-plated pieces: they are not the result of mass, mechanical production, but the product of true craftsmanship.  

Is the brand entirely Polish?

Warszawska Fabryka Platerów is a 100% Polish company. The cutlery offered by Hefra is made in Poland using Polish materials. Each cutlery set comes with a manufacturer’s certificate. The brand has received numerous awards and is recognized for supporting the Polish economy and craftsmanship. It has been honored with the “100% Polish Product” award by the “Do Rzeczy” weekly, and was also showcased at the Polish Economic Exhibition organized by the President of Poland.

What can young people find at Hefra?

Tradition has it that a newlywed couple should move into their new home with their own spoon. That’s why gifting a set of cutlery is such a popular wedding present. But Hefra products are not just for newlyweds. Young people truly appreciate handmade items that are unique and not mass-produced. HEFRA cutlery is also a symbol of status and refined taste. Such tableware makes a wonderful addition to any home. It’s also important to note that this type of cutlery is no longer reserved only for so-called special occasions. Young people are well aware of the centuries-old antibacterial properties of silver, so they use these items every day. They also value the fact that it is a Polish, classic product that fits beautifully into many table settings during important family gatherings.

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

Most of the thirteen HEFRA collections are closely tied to history. Many of them actually date back to the 19th century, created by Józef Fraget, one of HEFRA’s founding fathers. The names of HEFRA cutlery models themselves reference Polish history, such as Księstwo Warszawskie, or other European cultures, for example the oriental Wschodni model or the Romanesque. The creators of HEFRA models wanted not only to emphasize the quality and prestige of their cutlery collections, but also, by choosing such universal names, to ensure that these products remain timeless and memorable to this day.

Our collection also includes the Imperial model, created to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Warsaw Silverware Factory HEFRA, as well as the approaching centenary of Poland regaining independence. To emphasize the prestige of this collection, this model is produced exclusively in silver.

Do you produce custom-made items?

All Hefra products can be gold-plated. This ordering option is also quite popular. It is also possible to create any custom shape, although this is a separate process that takes longer. However, Hefra customers can choose from a truly wide assortment. In addition to cutlery, the range also includes, for example, silver chess sets, sugar bowls, fruit baskets, and more.

What was the craziest order you’ve ever had?

Every day we receive many orders, some more standard than others. However, when it comes to silver and silver-plated cutlery or tableware, it’s hard to talk about “craziness.” Our clients appreciate the dignity and craftsmanship of our products. What can truly set HEFRA cutlery or tableware apart is, of course, the engraving. Here, our clients most often choose to personalize with initials, dates, or special symbols.

One of the most memorable moments in HEFRA’s history was undoubtedly the gifting of the “Stork” birthday spoon to the newborn Prince Louis. The spoon, engraved with the prince’s name, as well as the date and time of his birth, was sent to the United Kingdom. Additionally, we fulfill numerous orders for so-called souvenirs or gadgets for museum shops, such as spoons engraved with the mermaid for the Museum of Warsaw, or featuring the likeness of Fryderyk Chopin for museums dedicated to the artist.

We take great pride in fulfilling orders for the Chancellery of the President, the Prime Minister’s Office, and various Embassies, where we often handle custom requests. We are always open to suggestions and eager to take on new challenges.

What should a modern Polish brand embody?

Poles are tired of the repetitiveness of goods and owning the same things as their neighbors in the next apartment block. Cutlery has become so commonplace that it’s almost impossible to tell at first glance who made it. With HEFRA, it’s different. Our products are a brand in themselves. More and more Poles are looking for originality in products, but also for quality. That’s why handcrafted tableware has made a comeback on Polish tables, and HEFRA has returned to the minds of customers.

Is silver a good idea for diversifying an investment portfolio?

Purchasing silver in the form of handcrafted tableware is an investment that will last for many years. At any moment, you can place such a piece on the table, instantly adding a touch of elegance to any important occasion. It’s something tangible and authentic, but also valuable. It’s an excellent way to invest your funds. These purchases are usually well thought out, as people in Poland pay close attention to what they invest in—including what we call “table jewelry,” because they actually use it. Simply put. Today, alternative investments cover an exceptionally wide range of products and services. With so many options and offers on the investment market, it can sometimes be difficult to determine what’s truly worth investing in. However, a brand like HEFRA has existed for nearly 200 years, producing items with extraordinary precision and consistently high quality. It’s also worth noting that silver, much like gold, will always remain a precious metal.

Ms. Ewa, thank you for the pleasant and inspiring meeting. After the war, our country lost many valuable monuments, and the same happened with manufactories. That’s why today we increasingly hear about reviving pre-war brands. In my opinion, this is the right direction, a wise path, and a remedy for the omnipresent mass production. People are more and more often searching for genuine and original inspirations for their interiors. Hefra is one such inspiration. Its history is a testament to the resilience, strength, and loyalty of its employees to their brand.

Long-established companies should showcase their rich history without any embellishments. In other words, simply be honest in what they do—and that is true luxury. At the same time, they should look to the future, embracing new technologies while never forgetting the art of traditional craftsmanship. Luxury Products represent hundreds of historic European manufactories with incredibly rich legacies. I’m delighted that the Hefra brand is with us!