German Shovel ?

[Guiguius]

Hi everybody
My name is Guillaume i'm a new member from France ! I hope this forum will give me news knowlegdes !
I found this shovel, but i don't know what nationality it is..
Could you give me information ?
Let me show you the pics



Thank you !

[Saladin]

Hello. it is an early German entrenching tool.
It looks to be a transitional piece when the spade mouth with the rivets began changing to the welded one piece items

All the best
Doug

[Larboard]

Welcome ;-)

Good find! I thought it was going to be one of those Swiss ones that are popping up lately. Just wondering, maybe Doug ^ can elaborate, I see the outline of a Maltese cross in the 3rd pics, and 8/16h in the second?

[Guiguius]

Thank you for the answers !
The markings are M8/16r
16 May be the date of production ?
Have you an idea of the worth of this ?

Thanks !

[bigmacglenn]

I agree with Saladin, a German Entrenching Tool, appears to be WWI Era...The Swiss Spades have a Metal Reinforcement Ring around the Shaft (Good thing to remember)...I assume you don't have the leather carrier/harness for it, which would raise value and desirability significantly...The plain spade by itself can be found offered from $45-$65, generally...
cheers, Glenn

[Larboard]

So, 16 would appear to be a date?

[Guiguius]

The shovel is repainted, do you think it's good to get off the paint or keep it like this ?
Ok thank you, i think i will not keep it, maybe sell this

[bigmacglenn]

Just keep it as it is....

[Guiguius]

Ok thanks you everybody for your answers