Featured Miniature portrait on wood box lid

The lid is 3-1/2 inches in diameter and looks like turned wood. I was hoping someone can help me determine how old this is. The wear pattern on the inside of the lid is unusual that it is only in the center. I couldn't find a signature although it might be there as the lid looks like it was varnished at some point (the alligator skin looking surface).

 

https://auktionen.auktionshauswendl...lporträt-martin-luther-und-katharina-von-bora

 

I was about to say: That is Martin Luther and his Mrs, but you found it.

 

Isn't that interesting? So shallow. Can't imagine what it was used for. Auction listing box is of higher quality than OP's. Dated as 1875 so certainly not Biedermeier as described. This looks like the inspiration for Martin Luther portrait. c. 1850 according to internet. (Note: He is not wearing a ruff.)

Debora

 

I don't think I have ever seen him depicted with a ruff.

 

A little bit of artist license, I suspect. I think clergy wearing ruffs began a few decades after his death.

Debora

 

Altar bread holder?

 

3 1/2". According to the internet, Lutherans traditionally use a "thin unleavened wafer" as host. Called a pyx. Congrats! I think you got it!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyx

Debora

 

First I thought it would be too small to be such a box, as Google shows much taller and/or wider boxes, but then I found this one https://www.holyart.co.uk/liturgica...MI4-Lr7cn5hgMV8gcGAB066wsoEAQYASABEgJQl_D_BwE with a hight of 1.8 cm (0.71") and a diameter of 8.4 cm (3.3")

 

I checked size too and found examples that were consistent. Also consistent wear in center of lid. If one were to fill it, one would stack the wafers to get the most in.

Debora

 

Amazing, to me...the arcana that is routinely offered here promptly after a query!