WW1 GERMAN MADE TURKISH ISSUED PIONEER ENTRENCHING TOOL WITH RARE COVER
There are a few variations of WW1 German entrenching tools and pick axes. The normal German WW1 soldier was issued a entrenching shovel in a leather cover that attached to his belt, then there were the types that were issued to the Pioneers and engineers that were a heavier variety that came in the form of an entrenching tool head or a head with a pick axe configuration. This example is an entrenching tool used by pioneers/engineers.
This entrenching tool was recently picked up by me here in Australia and is more than likely a bring back from the Turkish trenches at Galipoli during WW1. The head has its German issue and manufacturers stamp to one side of the head with the Turkish Crescent Moon stamp to the other side showing it being issued to the Turkish Army. It also comes with its original leather cover that is in good condition and intact with its belt loops and buckles. The covers are rarely seen as they tended not to survive or were discarded over time. A rarely seen piece especially with Turkish issue stamps and original leather cover intact.