That mark is Zeh, Scherzer & Co. From Rehau, Germany in the Bavarian Area. This company started in 1880 and is Still in Business. This is a quite popular mark and has appeared here on the forum many times. If you search Replacments under that company you may be able to ID the pattern. As for the first plate I think the signature is a copy of the Artist who orginally made the art that was applied to the plate.