Q: I have an old table brought here from Germany years ago. There is a mark on the bottom that says “Kiel Furniture Co.” Can you tell me anything about the maker?
A: Stories about things handed down in a family don’t always turn out to be true. Your table didn’t come from Germany; it was made in Wisconsin. Kiel Manufacturing Co. was founded in Milwaukee in 1892. There were many German cabinetmakers in the area and an ample supply of lumber from Wisconsin forests. The name of the company was changed to Kiel Furniture Co. in 1907, so your table was made after the name change. The company also operated a factory in Milwaukee from 1910 to 1932. The name of the company became A.A. Laun Furniture Co. in 1932. It is still in business.