What is this thing in my bit?

[ualtim]

I just received two Mr. Brog pipes from Poland, and both had this metal stopper in the end of the bit with a groove cut into it to allow a small bit of air/smoke to pass. With the stopper in place, airflow was poor. Without the stopper in place, the airflow was similar to my other pipes.

So, what in the world is this little piece of metal for? Anti-Tounge bite? Airflow rstrictor? Remove after shipping thing?

Do I smoke the pipe with or without this device installed?

Anyone have any ideas?