Kirk Stieff Corporation, Baltimore

ornately and profusely decorated with foliage and flowers, comprising: Eight butter knives; 4 soup spoons; 13 dessert spoons ; 2 carving knifes and 2 forks with steel blade ; one soup ladle ; 10 dessert forks ; 18 table knives with new stainless steel blade kirks & Sons ; 12 bouillons spoons ; 8 teaspoons ; 11 fish knives with silver blades with monogram RG ; 12 fish forks with silver prongs with loaded handles ; 4 cake forks ; 10 fish ? cake spoons ; 4 large soup spoons ; 4 serving spoons in sizes and shapes ; 25 dessert knives with new stainless steel blades

2 fish forks broken and several knives handles dented, some spoons and forks handles bent, some wear commensurate with use, stains and rusting to steel blades. Would benefit from professional cleaning. overall good order and decorative flatware. - Stieff : Eight butter knives; a larger bouillon spoon, - Kirks & Sons & Co: 13 dessert spoons ; 2 carving knifes and 2 forks with steel blade ; one soup ladle ; All the knives. These were made at different stages of the company and the pattern is almost identical. They all have new stainless steel blade by The Stieff Company. - Balt (Baltimore Company): the fish/ cake forks, teaspoons (apart from 2 which are Stieff) ; dessert forks - - There are also 4 large Tiffany soup spoons. - - The fish knives and forks are stamped 'Yuan Ho'
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Kirk Stieff Corporation was created in 1979 merging the ancient Baltimore silver companies Samuel Kirk & Son and Stieff Company.  The business was founded in 1815 in Baltimore by Samuel Kirk. After a partnership with John Smith (until 1820) the firm changed its name to Samuel Kirk & Son in 1846 when Henry Child Kirk entered in partnership with his father Samuel.  In 1861, when the other two sons (Charles D. and Clarence E. Kirk) entered the partnership, the name was changed to Samuel Kirk & Sons, reverting to Samuel Kirk & Son when they left the firm.  After the death of Samuel Kirk, the business was continued alone by his son until 1890 when his son Henry Child Kirk Jr. joined the partnership. In 1896 Henry Child Kirk Sr. formed a corporation.  In 1979 Stieff Company purchased the Kirk Company, forming the Kirk Stieff Company.
 In 1990 Kirk Stieff was purchased by Brown-Forman (maker of Jack Daniels and other distilled spirits). The Stieff Rose pattern was first produced in 1892.