BACKGROUND: The entrenching tool was a basic item issued to all EM/NCO’s and was issued with a specific carrying case that was to be worn on the load carrying waist belt. Originally the non-folding entrenching tool utilized by the Germany army in WWII was a carryover of the WWI and Reichswehr era M1887 entrenching tool. The early issue entrenching tools came in a "open backed" carrying case while later issues came with a modified "closed back" carrying case. The entrenching tool was a very valuable piece of kit enabling the individual soldier to dig in for protection as required and was also utilized as a close combat weapon. Of Note: On November 12TH 1938 a new improved, folding shovel was introduced to replace the earlier non-folding pattern entrenching tool, although the earlier entrenching tool remained in use through-out the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Second pattern, later war construction, "closed back", simulated, blackened grained leather, pressed cardboard, (Press stoff), construction entrenching tool carrying case with dual blackened leather belt loops machine stitched to the top edge and a blackened leather closure strap machine stitched to the bottom edge. The outer edges of the frame all have heavy machine stitched seams. The top edge of the case has two leather loops designed to secure the case to the individuals waist belt. The bottom edge of the case has a single layered, horizontal leather panel with a diagonally angled, leather closure strap to the left side and a corresponding pronged sheet metal buckle to the right side. The closure strap would be wrapped around the handle of the entrenching tool to secure it in the case. Maker marked and dated for 1944.