Dogwood Luncheon Tray | Aluminum

Wendell August Forge began in 1923 in Brockway, Pennsylvania, when Wendell McMinn August and blacksmith Ottone Pisoni started making matching ironwork for August’s home. That practical commission grew into a decorative metalworking business. The company’s values center on skilled craft, preserving traditional techniques and creating gifts that mark family milestones. Its artisans continue the metalworking tradition in Pennsylvania, with production now in Slippery Rock.

Dogwood Luncheon Tray | Aluminum

The legend holds that the Dogwood tree was once very large and its strong and sturdy wood was used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God both cursed and blessed the tree. It was cursed to forever be small, so that it would never grow large enough again for its wood to be used as a cross for a crucifixion. At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so that it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter. The most unique part of the legend is that the petals of the dogwood actually form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, it can be seen that the blooms of the tree always have fthe maker’s petals. And the tips of each of the petals are indented, as if they bear a nail print. There are even colors in the petals that bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion. This large tray makes a remarkable statement at any event. It makes an equal impact when used as room decor.

Design and gift ideas

• Design: Dogwood Luncheon Tray
• Product type: Decorative Trays
• Choose the exact listed design and finish; gallery scenes may show other collection pieces.
• Personalization in a photograph is illustrative unless a confirmed matching option is available with this purchase.

Product specifications

• Brand: Wendell August Forge
• SKU: 13176228
• Material: Aluminum
• Size: 12" x 18"
• Country of manufacture: Unverified

Materials and finish

Aluminum. No unsupported alloy purity, recycled-content percentage, coating certification or food-contact certification is claimed. Photographed variations in lighting can change the apparent color of a metal finish; choose by the selected listing rather than assuming every item shown is supplied.

Care and storage

For the aluminum or pewter metal component, dust with a soft cloth. The maker permits a plain warm-water rinse followed immediately by gentle drying with a soft cloth. Do not use a dishwasher, cook in the piece or cut directly on the metal. Where food service is appropriate, limit use to cold food and use a suitable barrier for foods that may mark the surface.

Origin, shipping and returns

Product-specific country of manufacture is not fully verified. The company’s Pennsylvania workshop and general American-craftsmanship statements do not establish the origin of this complete item.

Shipping for Dogwood Luncheon Tray: the maker’s current policy lists USPS, FedEx and UPS dispatch from Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. In-stock, non-engraved orders normally ship the same business day before 11:30 a.m. Eastern or the next business day afterward; November–December processing may take 5–7 business days. Engraved and made-to-order items are listed at 5–7 business days before dispatch, with holiday variation. Standard transit is estimated at 3–4 days and express at 1–2 days after dispatch. These are supplier estimates, not guaranteed BuyAmerican delivery dates; available services, charges and applicability to this order require confirmation.

Returns for Dogwood Luncheon Tray: the maker’s FAQ gives conflicting stock-item return windows of 90 and 100 days, while its dedicated returns page supplies no complete terms. Both FAQ statements require new, unused condition and proof of purchase; custom or engraved items are excluded, and standard return shipping and original shipping charges are not reimbursed. The applicable supplier return window and handling for BuyAmerican orders remain unresolved. Contact hello@buyamerican.com before sending a return and review BuyAmerican’s refund policy for its own conditions and exceptions.

Compare other designs in our home decor collection. For general background on looking after keepsakes, see the Smithsonian’s collection-care resources; use the maker’s material-specific instructions for this item.

Read BuyAmerican’s refund policy for the full store conditions. Supplier estimates and direct-retail promotions do not automatically extend to this order.