Shovel carrier opinions

[Jeff M.]

Picked this one up a while back, is this a ww1 German carrier?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[Jeff M.]

Markings:

[Gustaf B]

Hey Jeff,
This looks like a German carrier, but it lacks the manufactuerer's stamp one would expect to see on a German issue item. The date stamp is clear but the other one is difficult to read, it has roman numerals one would see in BA markings, but that is not what it is. It is possible that it is Bulgarian, but that is just a guess.
Best
Gus

[Hoss]

TDXVII
Depot stamp. 1917 issue. Imperial German imo.
Those TD stamps with roman numerals are common on leather gear.

Eric

[Gustaf B]

Hey Eric,
What does TD stand for?
Best
Gus

[Chip M]

I think the "TD" is for Train Depot. I believe these were workshops similar to the Artillerie Werkstätte. There would be no "normal" manufacturer marks, as the "TD" would have been the manufacturer.

Chip

[Gustaf B]

Thanks Chip, that makes sense.
Best
Gus

[Jeff M.]

Thanks!