Roger, no it is a friction lacquer that is buffed with carnauba wax.
Chris, yes that is a quarter for just that reason as it does show scale. They are all boxes and the wife has found a Varity of uses for them from Q-tip holder and so on. I give away a lot of them to different people at work and to my in-laws. The wife gives them as gifts to her friends.
Again, thanks for all the kind comments on by turnings. Kind of makes me feel that I am doing something right.