1920's Sterling Silver Pyx

This is a very valuable find for the person that collects boîtes miniatures or objets religieux. This is a very small hinged box created of sterling silver called a PYX (piks). It is 30mm across and 12mm with a total weight of 21.3 grams. A pyx is a vessel designed to carry hosts (blessed communion wafers) to believers unable to attend church due to inability to travel, generally informed or ill. There is an entire story this master engraver chose to convey on this amazing pyx.Clearly, it was commissioned by a priest, possibly a bishop or it was made to gift a very special elder in the clergy. The cross in the center represents Christ in pure form. Above Him in full glory, The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove with light emanating from its wings. Below left and bottom, engraving of wheat stalks and grapes representing the body and blood of Christ. On the right are cat tails or bullrushes that represent divine protection, notably through the story of Moses' basket being rescued from the Nile. In addition to the religious meaning, the talent of this craftsman cannot be overlooked. Take a look at the fine milgraining along the edge. The fine hand chasing on each hair on the stalks of wheat. Every grape and leaf is defined. Incredibly, The hinge as well as the push button lock-and-release system is made by hand! The box is inverted on the bottom for ease of gently lifting out the delicate hosts by the Clergyman. The stacked hosts can be gently tipped to take one at a time.