u/Jimbaroonio

Hi everyone, hoping the community can help identify this cutlery set that has come into my possession.

What I have: A 12-piece fish knife and fork set (6 knives, 6 forks) presented in the original fitted oak box with key (no lock on box). The pieces have ornate scrollwork engraving on the blades and decorative handles.

What I've worked out so far:

• The hallmarks appear to be British
• There are 5 marks stamped in a row on the handle
• One mark looks like a walking lion (lion passant?), suggesting sterling silver
• There is a letter that looks like an "F" which may be a date letter
• The rightmost mark is in a fish/shield shaped cartouche, possibly a duty mark
• Style suggests Victorian era, possibly 1860s–1880s

What I'm hoping to identify:

1. Is this genuine sterling silver or silver plate?
2. Who is the maker? (leftmost mark appears to show two initials)
3. Which assay office? (London, Birmingham, Sheffield?)
4. Exact date from the date letter
5. Approximate value

Photos attached - full set in box, plus two close-ups of the hallmarks.

Thanks in advance