World War II-era U.S. Army T-handled entrenching tool

This is an original World War II-era U.S. Army T-handled entrenching tool. Issued widely in the early years of the war, these shovels were a staple of infantry gear until they were gradually replaced mid-war by the folding entrenching tool. The T-handle design, though eventually phased out, remains iconic among WWII collectors and reenactors.
The shovel itself is original, though it was repainted many years ago during its early use in reenacting. The olive drab finish is not original, but the underlying piece remains authentic wartime manufacture with solid riveted construction. Also included is a hand-sewn canvas cover I made using original WWII webbing and materials. The cover is not government-issue, but it fits the period style and was crafted decades ago when I couldn’t find nor afford a reproduction cover!
This is a well-used, well-loved piece of reenacting history (one of the first ones I collected) with real wartime roots—ideal for collectors, living historians, or display alongside original gear.