USA, WW2, Model 1943 Entrenching tool, Marked & Dated 'US Wood 1944' with Belgian or Dutch cover 'Kniep Hier'

*USA, WW2, Model 1943 Entrenching tool, Marked & Dated 'US Wood 1944' with Belgian or Dutch cover 'Kniep Hier'*

"The Swiss Army Knife of Field Spades" (Jon Guttman), the M1943 tool was created during WW2 and has a wooden shaft that can be fixed in three different positions, it can be folded for storage in the carrier (just over 20"), placed at 90 degrees for use as a pick or fixed in the normal position to be used as a shovel. The 1943 model entrenching tool was issued to replace the solid one piece M1928 Entrenching tool and was hgeavily influenced by the German Klappspaten. It is U.S. marked, its dated 1944 and were introduced as part of the 1943 overhaul of the American clothing and equipment. It was manufactured by the Wood Shovel and Tool Company of Piqua.

After the war many U.S. items were sold to other Allied countries, which probably explains the Dutch or Begium leather and webbing case.
The case has a 'Lift the dot' style fastener marked "Kniep Hier". The KNIP HIER fasteners can appear on Belgian or Dutch equipment.

*Condition*
Excellent used condition. One rivet missing from the cover. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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