GERMAN WWII 1940 FOLDING E-TOOL (SHOVEL) WITH MAKER MARKS AGV

This is an original German WWII folding e-tool or shovel (Klappspaten) with wooden handle.  The shovel is dated 1940 and maker marked AGV. It also has the Waffen-Amt stamp visible.

The folding shovel or Klappspaten was introduced in 1938. The German folding shovel was the first ever army spade with a folding mechanism.

The Americans then copied the design and made their own (M1943 entrenching tool) as a new standard Infantry E-tool.

The folding shovel features stamped steel blade. The blade can be locked in 3 positions through means of a Bakelite locking knob. The blade can be unfolded fully or in a 90 degree angle to hack in the ground. The blade can be locked shut when carried in the cover.

Markings: 40 AGV and Waffen Amt stamp
Maker: AGV - Berg & Co Solingen
Year: 1940

Shovel #2