M 43 shovel, entrenching tool.

[Ir 143]

Hello, a friend of me has this shovel, was found in a french holder.
Is the color french or US ? I have not the shovel in hand because of the confinment.
I have seen, and have in my collection with full paint on the metal and wood, but on the internet some looks to have only painted metal not wood handle. I have one also in my collection, but i supposed it was the wear whot scratch the paint.
Thank you for your opinons one more time. Best regards.

[Michael Kuligowski]

Hi !!
shovel is US made ! its just missing paint from wood part

[Steve B.]

Is the entrenching tool modified? Mine does not have the extra strip of metal in the middle. Is that a post-war modification?

[Michael Kuligowski]

Is the entrenching tool modified? Mine does not have the extra strip of metal in the middle. Is that a post-war modification?

Good eye Steve !

[Ir 143]

Us Shovel.

Is the entrenching tool modified? Mine does not have the extra strip of metal in the middle. Is that a post-war modification?

Hello, all i have found where with this reinforcment.
Here the original drawing with this strip:
http://usarmydatadepot.com/74_s_164_..._1943_7898.htm