U.S. WWII M1943 ENTRENCHING TOOL SHOVEL CANVAS COVER CARRIER

This is an original U.S. M1943 canvas entrenching tool, shovel cover.   It is maker marked with the manufacturer LUB. Prod. Co. Dated 1944 and has the soldiers name written on it.  Not fully legible but we can make out the name Ralph along with what looks like his city.

The cover is constructed on OD Green #3 canvas with one inch OD Green #7 tape and reinforced inside with 2" webbing and genuine leather and heavy duty steel rivets.

Will fit both original WW2 (and postwar) U.S. issue shovels as well as many European versions.

Measures Approximately 10" x 7"

As the M1910 T-handle shovel was cumbersome to carry in 1943 the American Quartermaster introduced a much-improved entrenching tool, the M1943 intended to replace the Model 1910 shovel.  Any remaining stock was continued to be issued until it was all gone. Because of this men in the same unit to carry either of the M1910 or the M1943. 

Paratroopers used both types and both of the shovels were issued to paratroopers regardless of jump status.  The M1943 was in service from 1943 until 1955 at which time it was replaced by the Model 1956 web gear.