Is this entrenching tool Belgian ABL?

Belgian? If not what country would this be?

Thanks in advance Mike

No, it is Dutch. This is the earlier type carrier used with the M52 webbing. The later style looked more like the typical US M1943 cover. German-type folding shovels were also used by the Dutch with these carriers.

Wolverine wrote:No, it is Dutch. This is the earlier type carrier used with the M52 webbing. The later style looked more like the typical US M1943 cover. German-type folding shovels were also used by the Dutch with these carriers.

I was unhappy with the Ebay description. good job you are around. You have saved me from buying something that doesn't fit in my collection. Thanks

Glad to help!

There's some that think the BW also used this type of carrier. Honestly, I am not sure if that is true as I've not seen German inventory stamps on the examples I've seen up for sale. I have one around here somewhere, but too long ago to remember anything about it.

Steve

I don't think the carrier was ever a BW item. It doesn't appear anywhere in Lothar Schuster's authoritative book on BW equipment and uniforms. The confusion may be the result of the fact that the carriers are often found with German wartime shovels, which were issued in large numbers to the Dutch forces after the war.

The materials used are also typically Dutch.

I agree. I think the German shovels is a good reason for people thinking it is old BW issue. That and until recently documentation has been poor and when something like this turns up in Germany the presumption is it's Bundeswehr by those who don't know what it is.

Hmmm... did I sell you my cover when you bought all my Dutch stuff ages ago? Maybe that's why I don't remember where it is

Steve

It is possible, but I have a bunch of these around that I picked up at an auction too.