10 Pfennigs - Erfurt Königl. Gewehrfabrik

The Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt was one of the German Empire's principal state arms manufacturers, producing the Gewehr 98 among other military rifles. Factory tokens of this type circulated internally as wage or canteen currency — a common practice in large Prussian state enterprises where controlling on-site commerce reduced theft and off-premises spending. Zinc was the practical choice for low-denomination factory issues, cheap to produce and of no intrinsic value worth hoarding.

Hasselmann's catalog distinguishes at least two varieties for this denomination from this issuer, suggesting the tokens saw enough use to require restriking.