Original Item: Genuine M1943 shovel covers constructed of 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. NOTE: One cover / carrier only: three are pictured to show variety.
U.S. Ink stamps are present but faded, date and manufacturer stamps are generally faded or not visible. Dates range from late WWII into the 1950s. We cannot honor any request for specific dates.
Measures Approximately 10″ x 7″
History of the M-1943 Folding Shovels and Carriers: as the M1910 T-handle shovel was cumbersome to carry in 1943 the Quartermaster introduced a much-improved entrenching tool. These Etools were intended to replace the Model 1910 shovel, but the remaining stock of M1910’s were to be issued until the supply was exhausted. Thus, it is historically correct for men in the same unit to carry a mix of the two shovels. Paratroopers used both types, side by side within the same unit. Both the M1910 and the M1943 were issued to all units irrespective of jump status. Individual soldiers certainly had preferences for on one the other. These were in service from 1943 until 1955, when they were replaced by the Model 1956 web gear.