Very fine and rich specimen from the Anton (St. Anton) Mine in the Black Forest of Germany. This miniature is half Silver by volume (much more so by weight), and the native Silver is a mix of rope Silver intertwined with subhedral crystals. The color and luster vary from metallic grey to a reddish-golden iridescence, creating a nice patina. The flashes of color actually show up better in person. Silver is quite unusual from Anton. To have a piece of this quality from Black Forest's old mines is rare and significant, which probably explains why it was in the collections of Carl Bosch and the Smithsonian, as well. Kay actively sought such things, and this was sold to her in 1970 by her good friend, dealer Walt Lidstrom, who scoured the Smithsonian drawers for rare classics like this which he could trade out of the museum for her.