Sterling Hollowware Explained
Hollowware is the term silversmiths use for vessels and objects with depth, as opposed to flatware, which is made up of flat pieces such as forks and spoons. A silver bowl, a coffee pot or a candlestick is hollowware. The category is wide, and it is one of the most rewarding corners of silver collecting.
Common types
- Bowls and compotes for fruit, sweets or flowers
- Platters and trays for serving or display
- Tea and coffee services, usually a pot, a creamer, a sugar bowl and sometimes a kettle
- Candlesticks and candelabra
- Picture frames and small desk accessories
- Pitchers, goblets and cups, including pieces made as trophies or christening gifts
A range of styles
Hollowware reflects the taste of whatever era produced it. Antique English silver is admired for its fine proportions and hand-finished surfaces. Victorian pieces often feature rich ornament such as repoussé flowers, applied borders and elaborate handles. American coin silver, made in the earlier years of the country, carries a distinctive quiet look. Modern designs simplify these shapes into smooth, clean lines.
How hollowware is made
Traditional pieces were raised by hand, with the silversmith hammering a flat sheet into shape. Later manufacturing used spinning, stamping and casting to make forms in quantity. Examining the seams, the weight and the quality of the finish can offer clues about how a piece was made, though experts are best placed to judge age and origin.
Choosing a piece
Think first about how you plan to use it. A tea service looks wonderful on a sideboard, but practical owners also enjoy using it on special occasions. A heavy tray may suit a hallway table, whereas a pair of candlesticks adds elegance to a dinner. Check that the piece sits level, that joins are secure and that any weighted bases are intact, since candlesticks are often filled with a material that can loosen.
Hallmarks and condition
Look for marks that indicate sterling content and the maker. Dents and small scratches are normal on older pieces, but cracks, repairs and thin worn areas deserve a closer look. Monograms can be removed only with difficulty, so decide whether you like them before you buy.
Choosing between sets and single pieces
Tea and coffee services are sold both as complete sets and as individual items. A matched set has a pleasing unity on the table, while a single teapot or creamer can be an easy way to begin. If you are mixing pieces, look for similar proportions and finishes, so that they appear intentional rather than accidental. Weight is a useful guide too: sterling hollowware generally feels substantial in the hand, and very light items may be plated or made from thinner metal. It is also wise to ask about the handle material, since insulated handles may be fragile and sometimes need repair after many years.
Everyday use and care
Silver is meant to be used. Wash by hand with mild soap, dry promptly and avoid leaving acidic or salty foods standing in it. Read our guide to caring for sterling silver for polishing and storage advice, and see the overview for other topics.