The Tam O' Shanter Service: An American Silver Soup Tureen and Cover, Water Pitcher and Serving Platter, S. Kirk & Son Co., Baltimore, early 20th century

all with relief thistle borders, the tureen cast and chased with the tale of Tam o' Shanter after Robert Burns, the handles modeled in the form of fists holding horse tail, on four short scroll feet, thistle spray finial, the matching water pitcher with bi-furcated and entwined tendril handle, the sides cast and chased with the same scene, the circular platter with extended thistle rim

suface scratches to platter from use, minor dents to water pitcher, tureen crisp
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1790, the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-96) wrote his famous poem "Tam o' Shanter", an exploration of class relations, the effects of alcohol, sexual attraction, marriage, and the bond between a man and his horse.  The poem was originally published in The Edinburgh Magazine the following year.

One of Burn's longest poems, "Tam o' Shanter", tells the story of a man who stayed at public house for too long and his frightening trip home.  The poem begins with Tam enjoying the company of friends and many drinks at the public house.  He flirts with female proprietor of the pub and anticipates the wrath he is to receive from his wife Kate upon his return home.  Tam eventually leaves the pub and begins the voyage home on his trusty horse Meg. 

Later in the poem Tam comes upon the ruined church Alloway Kirk, which is ablaze with light and the scene of a bizarre hallucinatory dance consisting of witches, warlocks, open coffins, and the Devil himself.  Tam watches silently as the witches shed their clothing, until he is no longer to keep his comments to himself.  He shouts "Weel done, Cutty-Sark!" to a witch named Nannie, whose shirt (cutty-sark) is too small for her.  A chase, as depicted on one side of the tureen and pitcher, ensues but Tam and Meg are able to lose the witches at a river as supernatural beings cannot cross running water.  Before Tam and Meg are able to make it across the water however, Nannie, is able to grab Meg's tail and pull it off.  The poem concludes:

Now, wha this tale o' truth shall read,
Ilk man and mother's son, take heed:
Whene'er to Drink you are inclin'd,
Or Cutty-sarks rin in your mind,
Think ye may buy the joys o'er dear;
Remember Tam o' Shanter's mare