WWII POLISH ENTRENCHING TOOL

A most unusual item of field equipment. We strongly believe this to be Polish. The steel shovel is in the linnman style. These were used by many countries in central Europe and this is the pointed type. There is a good large steel stamp which reads ''Wlochy.'' Wlochy is a suburb and a large industrial area of Warsaw. The use of the Anglo Saxon steel within the manufacturers logo, would indicate 30's manufacture and a company that was heavily involved in import and export. The configuration is most unusual as it would hang upside down. We believe this may well be for mountain troop use. The shovel holder is a most unusual steel envelope type with a leather belt strap and closure. The shovel head and the holder are painted an identical Polish type khaki green colour, and there are numerous areas of crackling to the original old and deeply patinated paint. The handle shows much wear and it has clearly at one time been also completely painted in this green colour. The overall condition is excellent with a few areas of rust bleed and a little flaking to the leather, however this remains extremely good and supple. An intriguing and fine well made item of equipment.

Code: 70104