Trivia-muzzel protector
These items were used as muzzle protectors to save the lands and groves in the crown from wear from cleaning; the same device was the integral part of the Goman patent 4mm sub caliber device used by the Prussian police in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is a question of which came first, the muzzle protector or the sub-caliber device. The first sub-caliber devices used by the Prussian police fastened over the sight block similar like some of the Swiss devices, but this was an unstable method and a more secure fastening was sought. The Goman device was succeded by an Erma method which had a similar conical muzzle anchor but which was tightened by threads over the sight block rather than using the spring loaded locking system. There was an excellent article in DWJ some years ago on these devices.
Why would there be a WaA on such a device? These subcaliber muzzle devices are quite simple to duplicate by a qualified machinist and have been in Germany some years ago.
Odd markings and pristine condition are a give-away. I purchased one from a collector who had picked it up in Germany. The supposed Prussian police markings had been engraved on the flat face of the conical base, which was intended for markings. So beware.
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