Featured Russian silver icon

Hi , hopefully some one can help me out .

I inherited what I believe to be a s Silver Russian icon .

How can I tell this isn’t a reproduction ? It’s has the date unscripted in the front 1893 .

This is quite a large icon measuring 26.5 inches by 20.5inches ..

Many thanks in advance

 

Look for small Russian silver hallmark somewhere on it: like these https://www.925-1000.com/Frussia.html
Take a pic of those, but note that there are a lot of reproductions out there, so it pays to be skeptical especially with Russian silver. Do you have a family history of when and where it was purchased - not always reliable but a good start?

 

I can't make out the script very well because of the reflections, but could it be Greek? I've seen that decoration around the edge on Greek icons.
Here it is full image, so others can see as well.

 

St. George, surely?

Edit: Think the word to the left of the head is George, in Russian.

 

Yes, St George (and the dragon).
Veronica veil in the clouds, top left corner.

 

What is the letter on the left side of his "halo?"

 

Something similar:

https://m.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2645B/lots/398

 

Search terms for others: silver riza icon george

 

The one in the link looks verrry new.

 

Gee...I thought dragons were BIG fellows.

 

Whether overpriced or underaged, didn't sell.

 

He picked a little one because he was scared of the big ones.

 

Thankyou for the reply , my father bought it probably over 20 years ago in Estonia . I think he paid around 600 dollars at the time .

My father was quite an astute man and I have inherited many antiques .

I have found many icons similar online and they go for around 3,000 to 5,000 Sterling .

I’m just trying to find out if it’s genuine and not a replica .

It’s extremely heavy and you can see that the wood and nails are very old .

Regards

Amanda

20 years ago when he was in Estonia I believe

 

What does the script in the bottom long oval say?

 

I don't know where you are located, but in Clinton, MA, there is a Russian Icon Museum with an extensive collection of them!! There phone # is: 1 978-598-5000.
But here's the link to their website.....you might want to check them out.....am pretty sure they might be able to help you!!

https://www.museumofrussianicons.org/

Just one in particular I like :

 

A group coming up for auction soon:

https://www.invaluable.com/catalog/...paign=targetedexclusive&utm_content=cre091718

 

Georges was killing a BABY dragon???

 

In doing some spot research on George (I also just bought a cameo George, so double interest) read that G. rides in where pagan villagers fear to tread to rescue the maiden, pins the dragon down with his spear, horse tramples it into submission, then maiden is instructed to use her belt to put a leash on it & lead it into the village, where shock & awe converts cowardly villagers to Christianity. No dragons were killed in the making of this story.

 

Believe anyone who would give you any kind of reasonable evaluation online would ask to see multiple images, showing all the parts and very clear pics of any marks that might be present on the metal cover (riza), and might possibly want to see what's under the riza.

Aquitaine gave you a good suggestion in contacting the the Russian Icon Museum, and you might want to read through this page for some pointers: https://www.realorrepro.com/article/Russian-Icons

Good luck in your research...

~Cheryl