I recently looked at a couple of the German Torn.E.b. receivers, the type mentioned in posts recently.
One was 1942 and was without the meter, meter being replaced by a cover.

The other was 1944, pot metal of course, and DID have a meter.

Therefore, I conclude lack of meter is due to repair facility lack of parts.

BTW, if the Torn.E.b. you examine has the nameplate removed, try lifting it.

If you can lift it with one arm, without major pain, it is built somewhere in years inclusive 1937 – 1943.

If it requires thought to prepare to lift it, you have to brace your body firmly, and it is definitely a lead-like lift,

it was built in years inclusive 1943 – 1945. 1943 is indeterminate as to when the use of cheaper zinc

alloy began.

Photos: one I replaced the meter on; however this meter, while it looks realistic, at least at some distance,

is monofunction, not two measurement functions, B+ and filament.

Also photo of the turret support spider decayed. Good luck replacing this. Someday, maybe soon enough,

3D printing may be able to replace such.

-Hue Miller