A VERY FINE RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT ANDREW THE COMMANDER, CIRCA 1900. At center a full length naturalistically rendered image of the 4th century martyr depicted here in the dress of a Roman military Commander (Stratelates), holding a martyrs cross. The entire image overlaid with an exquisite silver gilt, chased, niello and filigree multi-piece riza. The saint’s apparel comprised entirely of delicate silver filigree overlay with silver beading. The halo, corner, title and side plaques rendered in silver-gilt niello. The borders with chased basket weave pattern and with double rope twist edging. The lower section of the central reserve with engraved foliage and city walls in the distance. The two shoulder height nielloed plaques inscribed in abbreviated Old Church Slavonic identify him as, "The Holy Great Martyr Andrew the Stratelates". Hallmarked Moscow, circa 1900-1917, Cyrillic makers mark BC, probably for Vasily Sergeivich Sikachev, plus 84 silver standard. The verso backed in velvet. 13 inches x 9 inches (33 x 23 cm).