Appreciate your response and question. The only thing broken is the "tab" (looking at it from the top) which would be pointing leftward toward the center of the gun. The tab is at a right (left?) angle from the part with the spring (which is still in place). It appears that the tab sheared off at it's juncture with the rest of the part, possibly before our WWII Vet acquired it.
There definitely is a hollow depression where this tab would normally rest, so it is designed for a Hold-Open Latch. I hope this helps. If you need photos specifically of that part, I can provide. THANKS!
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