Holloware (mostly in American English) or hollow-ware is tableware that forms a vessel or container of some kind, as opposed to flatware such as plates. Examples include sugar bowls, creamers, coffee pots, teapots, soup tureens, hot food covers, and jugs. It may be in pottery, metals such as silver, glass or plastic. It does not include cutlery or other metal utensils. Holloware is constructed for durability. It differs from some other silver-plated items, with thicker walls and more layers of silver plating.

Background

Dining car holloware is a type of railroad collectible (railroadiana). The relative value of pieces depends on their scarcity, age and condition, and the popularity of the trains on which the items were used. Railroads marked this holloware with information such as the railroad's name or logo and the name of the manufacturer. Holloware is the traditional gift in the UK and the modern gift in the US for the 16th wedding anniversary. Holloware is the traditional gift for jubilee or wedding in Russia.