Sometimes you get lucky.... You think the silver is just a bunch of generic stuff but then you do a little research to find out the history.
Bear Paw Mining has a rich history of gold and silver mining in Northwestern Montana and Northern Idaho. The original mines were located in the Bear Paw Mountains which in the 1880's was located in the Blackfoot Indian Reserve. Gold was first discovered in the 1860's but not in quantity until 1878 and then the rush was on! The area was mined illegally until 1888. Early in the 1900's copper and silver were found in great quantities. The original mine was called "The Bear's Paw". All the "BEAR PAWS" I've seen have the stamp CWP which I believe was the owner, CW Paulsen (not verified) but is known as the bear paw stamp. Other bars made in different years are stamped with the words "BEAR PAW MINING" but are considered rare.