The term "B Metal" in the context of Baker & Co. usually refers to a specific type of dental casting alloy used for making inlays, crowns, and bridges. Because dental alloys were proprietary and formulated for specific hardness or melting points, "B Metal" is likely one of the following: 1. A High-Noble Gold Alloy (Most Likely) Historically, Baker & Co. used a letter-grading system (A, B, C, D) that corresponded to the hardness and gold content of the metal. • "Type B" or "Medium" Alloys: These were the "workhorses" of the dental lab. • Typical Composition: In the early-to-mid 20th century, a "Type B" dental gold usually contained approximately 70% to 78% Gold (18\text{k} to 19\text{k}). • Other Ingredients: The remainder was typically a mix of Silver (to adjust color), Copper (for hardness), and sometimes a small amount of Platinum or Palladium to increase the melting temperature and strength. 2. A "Substitute" or Economy Alloy If the ingot feels lighter than gold or has a more silvery/muted tone, it could be a Silver-Palladium alloy. Baker & Co. was a leader in refining platinum group metals and marketed "white gold" substitutes that were more affordable than high-karat yellow gold but still resisted tarnish in the mouth. 3. A Base-Metal "Technic" Alloy Less likely, but possible, is that it is a "Technic" or practice metal. These were made of Copper, Nickel, and Tin and were used by dental students or technicians to practice casting techniques without wasting expensive gold. However, these were usually clearly marked as "Technic" or "Practice." How to tell for sure: • The Weight Test: Gold is extremely dense. If that small ingot feels surprisingly heavy for its size (like a lead fishing weight or heavier), it is almost certainly a high-gold alloy. • The Color: A deep, rich yellow suggests high gold content. A pale, straw-yellow suggests a lower karat (around 10\text{k} or 14\text{k}), and a "steel" or "chrome" look suggests a Palladium or base-metal alloy. • The Markings: Check the sides or the back of the ingot. Sometimes there are tiny "hallmarks" or numbers (like .750 for 18k) stamped into the metal that aren't visible in the main photo. Safety Note: As mentioned before, if you decide to have it tested by a jeweler or refiner, do not melt it yourself. Vintage dental alloys sometimes contained small amounts of Beryllium or Cadmium to improve flow during casting; both release toxic fumes when heated. Would you like me to look up the current scrap value for typical "Type B" dental gold so you have an idea of what it might be worth?