A firearm or imitation firearm shall, notwithstanding that it is not loaded or is otherwise incapable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile, be deemed to be an offensive weapon or instrument for the purpose of the following enactments, namely:—
(a)paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section twenty three of the Larceny Act, 1916 (which deals with the offence of robbing or assaulting with intent to rob when armed with any offensive weapon or instrument); and
(b)paragraph (1) of section twenty-eight of the said Act (which deals with the offence of being found at night armed with any dangerous or offensive weapon or instrument with intent to break or enter into any building and to commit any felony therein).