Steering Stem Locking Bush

[xdab]

What exactly is the purpose of the oblong weight thing bolted to the steering stem that resides happily in the dark recesses of the steering head?
Also, what's up with the weird oblong washer that lies on top of it? It doesn't contact anything in there after everything is bolted up.

Is the weight in there to offer some steering imbalance/resistance so somehow aid the steering process? Does it need to be oriented a certain way to accomplish its purpose? Again, what does washer do? I know this must sound like a text from a Grateful Dead concert or something but I know I saw it and am scratching my head.

[gasgasman]

The heavy sleeve gives a place for the steering lock pin to engage the steering stem.
It only goes on one way due to the indents in the steering stem for the bolts.

Don't know what the washer is for.