WW2 German Kriegsmarine 20MM 2 cm Flak 38 20x138 HE-T Flak Cannon Round

[komet45]

I found this round about a year ago at a flea market along with several other WW2 German items. Though the original aluminum fuze cap has been lost, the round still displays very nicely in my collection.

The projectile and case are each well marked. The case headstamp appears to read: "M EAGLE III/3 XI 43 44b auz." This would appear to indicate production by Polte-Werk, Arnstadt in 1944 for the Kriegsmarine. The projectile reads: "ja 23 43 WaA ??? W" and is also marked with paint as well however those markings are nearly illegible. The Waffenamt stamp is also difficult to read, appearing to be a three-digit number starting with "6" or "8." The "ja" stamp appears to indicate production by R. u. G. Schmoele, Menden.

Am I correct in calling this a 20x138 HE-T round? Where would the Kriegsmarine have employed 20MM cannons like this? Deck guns on surface vessels and U-boats? I would greatly appreciate any information and insights the forum would be willing to share, this is a favorite piece in my collection and I would love to learn more about it. I would also be interested in purchasing an inert fuze cap for the round, if you have an extra you would be willing to part with please let me know!

[vegetius]

The primer has been struck with several items non of which was a firing pin! Obviously previously owned by a mental pygmy. A nicely marked round with all the information there, shame about the butchery by the previous owner.