Stieff Ellipse Sterling, 1968

Stieff Ellipse Sterling is an American sterling silver flatware pattern, produced 1968–1991, identified by the mark KISELL.

MakerStieff
PatternStieff Ellipse Sterling
Mark struckKISELL
Period1968–1991
RegionAmerican
TypeFlatware pattern
Stieff Ellipse Sterling, 1968 hallmark, KISELL

What does the “KISELL” mark mean?

The Stieff Ellipse Sterling (1968) pattern, produced from 1968 to 1991, showcases the Stieff Company’s evolution into modernist mid-20th-century design while maintaining the impeccable craftsmanship for which the brand was renowned. Crafted in solid sterling silver, Ellipse is defined by its streamlined silhouette, soft contours, and gently rounded terminals, creating a sense of balance and visual harmony consistent with the minimalist aesthetics of the late 1960s. The pattern’s name, Ellipse, perfectly reflects its design language — smooth, continuous forms that evoke movement and simplicity without ornamentation. This period marked Stieff’s response to modern dining sensibilities, where elegance emerged from precision, proportion, and restraint rather than decorative flourish. The Ellipse Sterling collection remains a notable example of American modernist silver design, blending Stieff’s legacy of fine metalwork with a forward-looking aesthetic that bridges tradition and innovation.

What is Stieff sterling silver worth?

SebastianCharles Auctions catalogues and sells Stieff sterling silver at auction from our gallery at 5263 Edina Industrial Blvd, Edina, Minnesota. Value depends on the individual piece and its condition, and on the number of place settings in a flatware service. Send photographs of the mark and the piece for a free auction estimate, or call (612) 280-1377. Formal written appraisals are billed hourly from $150, with most reports delivered within two weeks.

Other Stieff marks and patterns