What is sterling hollowware?

Hollowware describes silver vessels and serving pieces — teapots, bowls, pitchers, trays and centerpieces — as opposed to flatware such as forks and spoons.

Is a complete tea service worth more than individual pieces?

Generally yes. Services that left the maker together, with matching marks and pattern numbers, are harder to find than single pots or pitchers and usually command a premium.

Can hollowware be used every day?

Yes. Sterling hollowware was made to be used. Hand-wash and dry it after use, and avoid leaving acidic foods or salt in contact with the silver for long periods.

How should I care for antique silver?

Wash by hand in warm water with mild soap, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and polish sparingly with a gentle silver cream. Store pieces in tarnish-resistant cloth away from rubber and wool. Avoid dishwashers and harsh dips, which can strip patina and damage fine chasing.

How can I tell sterling silver from silverplate?

Sterling is 92.5% pure silver and is usually marked "Sterling," "925" or with national hallmarks such as the English lion passant. Silverplate is a thin silver layer over base metal and is often marked "EP," "EPNS" or "Quadruple Plate." Every piece we offer is inspected and authenticated by Steve and his staff before purchase, then examined and described accurately before it is listed.

Can I make an offer, and what is your return policy?

Yes — most available pieces have a Make an Offer button, and every offer is reviewed by the gallery. Shipping within the US is complimentary, and you may return a piece for a full refund within 14 days of delivery, by mail or in person at the gallery.

Sterling Holloware

50 Years in New York
Guaranteed Authentic
Complimentary US Shipping
Make an Offer Available

Hollowware is silver formed into vessels — tea and coffee services, centerpieces, bowls, pitchers and trays. Our collection spans Georgian and Victorian England through the American Gilded Age and Art Nouveau, with pieces from Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Whiting and leading English silversmiths.

Collector's Guide: Sterling Holloware

From the Journal

The Different Pieces of Hollowware
Every host knows how important it is to have hollowware on the dinner table. Unlike flatware, hollowware is not cutlery, meaning people don’t use it to cut or transport food to their mouths.
The Difference Between Flatware and Hollowware
A great dinner party starts with a spectacular table. The table setting sets the tone for the entire soiree.

View

Sort

Showing 100 items

Set of 12 Gorham Chantilly Sterling Silver Goblets

Sterling Holloware

Collector's Guide: Sterling Holloware

What is sterling hollowware?

Is a complete tea service worth more than individual pieces?

Can hollowware be used every day?

How should I care for antique silver?

How can I tell sterling silver from silverplate?

Can I make an offer, and what is your return policy?

From the Journal

#CE404Set of 12 Gorham Chantilly Sterling Silver Goblets

#CE398Pair of English Georgian Regency Sterling Silver Candlesticks 1836

#CE450Antique Gorham Edwardian Regency Sterling Silver 15-Inch Vase

#CD392Hester Bateman Georgian Neoclassical Pierced Sugar Basket 1783

#CE451Antique American Edwardian Regency Sterling Silver 12-Inch Vase

#CE332English Enamel Napkin Ring in Wedgwood Jasperware Style 1937

#CE396Pair of Reed & Barton Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Candlesticks

#CE203English Georgian Sterling Silver Cann with Tally-Ho Fox Hunt 1780

#CE137Antique American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Shooting Trophy

#CE244Set of 4 Pairs of Cartier Modern Salt & Pepper Shakers in Case

#CE339Pair of Pretty English Sterling Silver & Enamel Napkin Rings 1930

#BO185Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Serving Tray

#CE187Antique Gorham Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Trophy Cup 1888

#CE286Tiffany Traditional Georgian Sterling Silver 6-Inch Piecrust Tray

#CE285Tiffany Traditional Georgian Sterling Silver 6-Inch Piecrust Tray

#CE255English Regency Classical Sterling Silver Covered Serving Dish 1812

#CD507Set of 12 Chinese Edwardian Classical Repousse Silver Dinner Plates

#CD506Set of 12 Chinese Edwardian Classical Repousse Silver Goblets on Stand

#CE171Pair of English Victorian Georgian 3-Light Candelabra 1900

#CB618Antique American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Vase

#CE214Tiffany Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Tray with Repousse Garland

#CE174Pair of Antique English Edwardian Georgian 8-Inch Candlesticks 1904

#CD497Set of 4 Paul Storr English Georgian Classical Dinner Plates 1808

#CD970Antique Tiffany Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Coffee Set on Tray

#CE219English Georgian Sterling Silver 8-Inch Scallop Shell Salver 1764

#CE212Victorian Trophy Awarded as 1925 Florida Minor League Baseball Prize

#CE242Tiffany Edwardian Regency Sterling Silver & Wood Marquetry Tray

#CD589Antique English Georgian Classical Shell & Scroll 8-Inch Salver 1757

#CE228Antique Tiffany Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver 18-Inch Vase

#CE118Pair of Antique Gorham Edwardian Classical Column Candlesticks 1907

#CD547Antique English Georgian Regency 10-Inch Armorial Salver 1814

#CD488Pair of Antique Tiffany Victorian Rococo 3-Light Candelabra

#CE124Tiffany English Neoclassical Sterling Silver 12-Inch Candlesticks

#CE198Tiffany Gilded Age Sumptuous Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl

#CE126Traditional English Georgian Sterling Silver Square 8-Inch Salver 1976

#CE145Set of 12 Gumps American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Goblets

#CE212Antique Tiffany Sterling Silver Salver in English King Pattern

#CD948Antique American Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

#CE195Set of 8 Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Pepper Shakers

#CD974Annapolis Yacht Club 1948 American Highball Trophy with Enamel Burgee

#CD973Annapolis Yacht Club 1946 American Highball Trophy with Enamel Burgee

#CD975Annapolis Yacht Club 1951 American Tumbler Trophy with Enamel Burgee

#CD976Annapolis Yacht Club 1950 American Tumbler Trophy with Enamel Burgee

#CD992Antique Shreve Art Nouveau Brooklyn Bowling Club Trophy Cup

#CD443Set of 12 American Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Dinner Plates

#CD961Pair of Buccellati Modern Classical Sterling Silver Scallop Shells

#CE196Schofield Baltimore Repousse Sterling Silver Centerpiece Punch Bowl

#CD983Tiffany Georgian Sterling Silver Chambersticks after Paul Storr

#CD980Pair of English Edwardian Neoclassical Pillar Candlesticks 1918

#CD463Pair of Stieff Baltimore Repousse Sterling Silver 3-Light Candelabra

#CD412Tiffany Greek Revival Tankard Pitcher & Goblets with Hunt Motif

#CD572Hazorfim Stylish Sterling Silver Grape Bunch Kiddush Cup

#CD405Antique American Victorian Classical Rose Round Centerpiece Bowl

#CD523Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Figural Turnip Pepper Shakers 1881

#CD520Traditional English Classical Sterling Silver Covered Urn Trophy 1939

#CD929Tiffany Japonesque Mixed Metal & Mokum Dragonfly Water Pitcher

#CD548Cartier American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Amphora Bowl

#CD509Antique Tiffany Victorian Sterling Silver Floral Centerpiece Bowl

#CUB2Set of 12 Graff, Washbourne & Dunn Sterling Silver Dinner Plates

#CUB1Set of 12 Graff Washbourne & Dunn Sterling Silver Bread Butter Plates

#CD407Antique Gorham Chantilly Grand Sterling Silver Gravy Boat on Stand

#CD457Antique Shiebler Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 10-Inch Vase

#CD456Antique Shiebler Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 10-Inch Vase

#CD471Antique Tiffany Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Square Tray

#CD494Antique Shreve, Stanwood Boston Greek Revival Sterling Silver Ewer

#CD495Antique American Edwardian Sterling Silver Novelty Basket Tea Infuser

#CD354Set of 12 Rundell Bridge & Rundell Dinner Plates with Royal Provenance

#CD452Antique Tiffany Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 14-Inch Vase

#CD477Antique English Georgian Sterling Silver 8-Inch Salver 1764

#CD450Set of 4 Fresh & Pretty Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Candlesticks

#CD472Sumptuous Tiffany Gilded Age Sterling Silver Petit-Four Plate