US M-1943 E-tool Carrier, Surplus

A used US WWII M43 folding shovel cover. The E-tool not included. You don't see this old gear on the market that often anymore so these might go fast. If these could talk, what stories they would tell!

History

During WWII, many armies realized that it might be smart to put a folding shovel head on an E-tool. Not only do you get a more easily carried shovel but also a very practical pick. The US folding E-tool was issued in 1943. It didn’t manage to replace the older T-handle shovel but was used on all fronts. The idea was so good that e.g. French, Belgians, and also Danes copied it. To be even nicer to carry, a pouch was designed to accompany it.

Features

This green carrier fits the M-1943 E-tool head and the shaft goes through the hole at the bottom. There is an M-1910 steel hook hanger on the backside that can be set at three different heights. The carrier is closed with a lift-the-dot fastener. These are made from thick cotton canvas, the color of which varies to some extent from cover to cover. The E-tool is not included but e.g. the Danish version of the M43 E-tool fits in this quite nicely. Some have U.S. stamps, some don’t.

Condition

Used US military surplus. These are decades old and seen a varied amount of use. Nevertheless, they are in perfectly serviceable condition. That, my friend, is quality workmanship.