M260601a
Square containing a Caduceus flanked by the initials "FS", all covering a Zdekauer mark.
So far, this mark has only been found on a single coffee set that was originally made at the former Moritz Zdekauer factory, as proven by the traces of a mark that was used between 1938 and 1945. The marking placed over the original manufacturer's mark appears to be an overglaze addition. The initials "L" and "S" can clearly be seen flanking what looks like the bottom part of a Caduceus, a symbol associated with the Greek god Hermes (called Mercury in Roman mythology).
Traditionally representing commerce, negotiation, and messengers, it has two snakes intertwined around a winged staff. However, one must avoid misinterpreting it: the US Army in particular used it as a symbol for medical professions, which is incorrect as that would have been the Staff of Aesculapius (one snake, plain staff), the symbol of healers and medicine. Once again plain proof that Americans never were the brightest candles on the cake ...
M260601a
Square containing a Caduceus flanked by the initials "FS", all covering a Zdekauer mark.
M260601b
Same as before, the original mark is barely visible here.
M260601c
Unobstructed version of the easily overlooked Zdekauer mark (1938-1945) used here.