French WW1 entrenching tool unit identification

[90th Light]

Could anyone please tell me what French unit this saw-back entrenching tool originally was issued to ?

It was taken from a German Infantry soldier in Mametz Wood, July 1916 and came with a standard German WW1 leather entrenching spade carrier.

It is made by "Goldenberg Acier Fondu" 1879 and has the "PGM" French military property marking used up until 1880. Basically this is the first/ original model of this tool used by the French

The French unit marking read;

13 677
25 L.I 53

The 25 and 53 have been crossed out.

Any help on which French units these markings relate to would be appreciated,

Chris

p.s. I found a bit information about this exact type of French entrenching tool on this Russian site; https://zhab.livejournal.com/676770.html?nojs=1

[peter monahan]

I would look for information on the French 'Legere Infantry' - light infantry - 25th Regiment, if there is such a unit. Or, less likely IMO, the 53rd LI.

[just]

Hello
it's a french M1879 shovel

25 L.I. 53 is typically german, crossed out and reissued by french 13677

cordially
Didier

[90th Light]

Hello Didier and Peter,

many thanks for your help. I am certain these are French unit markings;

13 677
25 L.I 53

However, the shovel is French but was captured and used by the Germans. It is engraved with its history and came with the German leather belt carrier found with it. Please see the images.

I am hoping someone can tell me what these French units were but given the German connection, I remain open minded.

Best regards,

Chris

[Ir 143]

Shovel.

Hello, this shovel was made by Goldenberg, in Alsace, who was part of Germany at this time. Not sure they made items for French army at this time ( but can be possible). Maybe for an other army ? Belgium ? The numbers looks french, but not sure that the LI is German.