Copper Tray

Q: I own a very old square copper tray. It’s very beautiful. It has a symbol of a running bird on the underside. It originally came from Europe, possibly Vienna. Who made it?

 

A: This running ostrich mark was used by WMF, the Wurtemberg Metalware Factory, from about 1925 to about 1930. The company traces its beginnings to 1853 with the establishment of the Straub & Schwiezer Metaware Factory in Geislingen, Germany. It  merged with Ritter & Co. in Esslingen, Germany, to form the Wurtemberg Metalware Factory in 1880. The company made pewter and silver-plated tableware and cutlery. It is still in business, now part of the WMF Group, making products for cooking, baking, eating and drinking for consumers, hotels and restaurants.