Definitely an interesting example. Judging by the depth of the strike from very shallow on the left to very deep on the right, it certainly appears to be an error in setting up the stamping jig resulting in the loss of the "E" and a portion of the crown. I agree with Howard that it doesn't look like it was buffed off, particularly since the inspector's mark is still sharp and deep. I'll bet there is a Crown/RC somewhere on the link.
That is also an interesting unit mark. Schutzpolizei Anhalt?
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If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction
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