GERMAN WWII 1943 FOLDING E-TOOL (SHOVEL) WITH MAKER MARKS

This is an original German WWII folding e-tool or shovel (Klappspaten) with wooden handle.  The shovel is dated 1943 and maker marked GCQ.  

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: 43 gcq
Maker: GCQ Heinrich Jung & Sohn, Gesenkschmiede, Halver
Year: 1943