Japanese entrenching tool with short handle

[Austrian]

Here is a nice piece for my e-tool collection.
It arrived yesterday from Japan.

The shovel has many small markings.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On this subject, the link to Nick's great work should not be missing:
The Evolution of the Japanese Infantryman’s Entrenching Tool: 1887-1945
It has already helped me several times.

[Kiipu]

The shovel was made by Tōkyō Artillery Arsenal in 1909 明四二.

[ghp95134]

Named to

坂本
Sakamoto

[Austrian]

Thanks a lot, guys!
I am very happy about your shared knowledge!

I have cleaned this tiny markings with toothpicks as good as possible.
Attached an other close up to add to it.

[Bruce Pennington]

The top 2 are inspector stamps; the center is the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal; and the bottom 3 are the date, as given by Kiipu above.

[Austrian]

The top 2 are inspector stamps; the center is the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal; and the bottom 3 are the date, as given by Kiipu above.

I also thank the magnificent painter!

[ghp95134]

I also thank the magnificent painter!

Wow, Bruce ..... I had NO idea!!!
Bruce Pennington wiki images.



(^__^)

-- Guy

[Kiipu]

Attached another close up to add to it.

FYI, the picture is upside down.

[Bruce Pennington]

Ha! Yes, he gets all the attention. There are a few of us out there, like the ADHD psychologist researcher in Denver and the Jazz band player in Colorado Springs. When people see my name, those 3 are the usual "Oh! are you the guy that ....?" Does anyone ever say "Oh! Are you the famous WWII Japanese sword expert?" Heck no! Oh well, doomed to obscurity...*whimper*.