Italian entrenching tool (Spanish Civil War related)

[Óscar G]

Hi everyone,
I was given this entrenching took by a local inhabitant of the "Puerto del Escudo" area. He found it hidden in the mountains, wherein the Italian "Corpo di Truppe Volontarie" fought in August 1937. It´s said to be an Italian one, but the handle might have been replaced. Any thought and information will be welcome.
Thanks and best regards. Óscar

[Paolo Marzetti]

This entrenching tool is for sure Italian M.07 in the metal part, but the handle
is not Italian.It looks more Austrian or Czech. I ignore the period.Bye PaoloM

[Óscar G]

Thanks for your information, Paolo. As I said, I was given it by a local inhabitant. The hypothesis of having and Austrian or Czech handle is quiete reasonable, because he used to collect items found on the battlefield... As far as I know, Czech equipment was common amongst the Republican soldiers.
By the way, do you have any period photo showing this M.07 entrenching tool?
Regards. Óscar

[Paolo Marzetti]

For the moment, here a pic showing an Italian M.07 entrenching tool
with its leather cover, issued during WWI. During the pre-war period
it was the same, but without cover, and the same during WWII sometimes
issued with built-in frog for the bayonet. I'll post this particular
garnment ASAP.

Bye, PaoloM

[Óscar G]

Thanks again, Paolo!
Regards. Óscar

[JPhilip]

Hello Paolo,
could you post some detailed pics of the carrier please ?
that's a seldom seem item (for me i mean)...

[Paolo Marzetti]

Yes, the M07 carrier has been very seldom seen, because not widely
used, in fact it was used only when fixed on the belt.On the contrary
the M07 entrenching tool was generally fixed on a left strap of the
issue backpack(M07 the same), but without carrier, for a quick use.
The very first M07 carriers were made with natural brown leather as
the one below:

[Paolo Marzetti]

[Paolo Marzetti]

Later,during WWI the leather carriers have been produced with grey-green
colour, and without rivets,but only with stitches, as the one shown previously
that I've not with me now.
Ciao, PaoloM

[JPhilip]

Hello Paolo,
thanks for posting these pics. This is a very nice carrier....

[Paolo Marzetti]

Here as promised,the pic showing the special pre&WWII Carcano
baionet frog with built-in entrenching tool carrier issued mainly to
engineers and special troops of the Royal Army. Ciao, PaoloM

[Óscar G]

Thanks for this deep and accurate information, Paolo. As requested above, any period photo of Italian soldiers wearing this item? .
Regards. Óscar