US entrenching tool

**James C** · 07-17-2014, 08:33 PM

i just wanted to share my latest pickup ,a ww2 period shovel /e tool i thought it was my namesake when i found a james stamp below the us but the j is missing

dated 1944 no cover unfortunately but i reckon it will be a great way to mount my relic m1 for display

**SHINDENKAI** · 07-18-2014, 08:43 AM

A M-1943 Folding Shovel.

I think most of them are AMES made, some of them were made by WOODS and AF&H.

I have a mint 1943 dated, 2 1944 and one 1945. And some covers, 43, 44, 45.

Cheers!
Taka

**James C** · 07-18-2014, 09:56 AM

Thanks taka

if you have time could you kindly post a picture of your mint example ,id like to know what mine would of looked like to get a feel for the paint scheme etc ,mine seems to have a faint coating of olive drab on the handle and possibly the shovel too ,regards james

**SHINDENKAI** · 07-18-2014, 03:51 PM

Hi James,

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of my shovel collection.

If I have the chance I will post them up.

Regards,
Taka

**seandm** · 07-18-2014, 05:22 PM

Great bit of original kit, The display idea sounds really cool James!

You can always go ahead and inscribe that J in there!

Cheers, Sean.

**James C** · 07-18-2014, 05:46 PM

taka not to worry

,dont go to any trouble ,im sure a quick search on here will give us clues to the original paint scheme ,thanks sean yes your right im going to find my engraver

**Chopperman** · 07-18-2014, 05:56 PM

I have one I keep in the trunk of my car, in case
of emergencies.

**James C** · 07-18-2014, 06:03 PM

great idea greg

,apart from the elongated handle its pretty compact once folded ,is yours in better condition than mine ,regards james

**Chopperman** · 07-18-2014, 06:30 PM

Mine is about the same or maybe a little better.
the blade and other metal parts still have some
green on them. Very, very faint trace of green
on the handle.

**37Webbing** · 07-18-2014, 07:09 PM

Very nice.
The US M/1943 folding shovel saw extensive use in Denmark as in every other NATO country, except Britain I believe. (Correct me if I am mistaking). I've even got a "home made" Norwegian carrier for it, made out of webbing, leather and brass parts from the 1950s.

Fun fact: In Denmark many PE "store rooms" had a box of old folding shovels for "hand to hand" combat training.