The Sir Robert Hart Silver bears the hallmarks of the Goldsmiths' and Silversmiths' Company, London, 1888. This is an important suite of Victorian tableware also known as The Empress of China Silver and was presented to the University by the descendents of Sir Robert Hart in 1971. In 1854 Hart was appointed to the British consulate in China as a recent graduate of Queen's. In 1859 he entered the new Maritime Customs Service of the Imperial Chinese government, becoming Inspector General of Customs in 1863. Over the next 43 years Hart controlled this great and expanding system and enjoyed a sustained influence in 19th century China.

In 1908, before he returned to Belfast as Pro-Chancellor of the University, he was presented by the Chinese Dowager Empress with this ornate set of table silver possibly part of an even larger service, which had been commissioned in London some 20 years earlier by the Chinese Imperial court. On display are a large oval parcel gilt bowl, supported by modelled dragons, a pair of bamboo candelabra and four compotieres for displaying and serving fruit.