ORIGINAL (?) M1906 E-Tool (T-Handle Shovel) With Possible Transitional Socket

Description

ORIGINAL (?) M1906 E-Tool (T-Handle Shovel) With Possible Transitional Socket
ORIGINAL (?) M1906 E-Tool (T-Handle Shovel) With Possible Transitional Socket
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Description
This is may be an ORIGINAL pre-WWI M1906 "transitional" entrenching tool ("E-Tool"), commonly called the "T-Handle Shovel" by collectors, as issued from 1906 until the introduction of the "improved" M1910 e-tool, which had a double-riveted metal "socket" on the blade to prevent the handle from snapping off during use. Rather than merely being held by rivets as with most M1906 e-tools I've had, this one does have a socket, but the single rivet is placed laterally through the shovel's handle or "haft", rather than being driven through the "top" of the e-tool's socket and handle. The shovel has a wooden handle culminating in the "T-Handle" and a steel blade, which is rusted, but should clean-up nicely if desired.
Unlike most t-handles, there is no reinforcing steel strap over it and it's simply mortised into the handle. The only marking on the shovel is a stamped "STEEL" on the top of the socket.  Although the e-tool could be civilian, most civilians wouldn't have considered it very ergonomic for normal usage in civilian life, but anything is possible, including a shortened handle.  I purchased this e-tool with another M1906 e-tool at the Napredak Show in San Jose, so I've always assumed that it too was military issue.
If anyone has any insight into this strange variant, I would appreciate hearing from you.
The shovel handle and metal parts are unpainted. The shovel is in fair overall used condition for its 100+ year age.
Here's an opportunity for the WWI equipment collector or re-enactor to obtain an increasingly rare piece of pre-WWI equipment.   The buyer will have my usual unconditional guarantee of authenticity and a five-day (
not the 14-days which they insert in my listings without my consent
) inspection and return/refund privilege, excluding postage.
Condition:
Used
Payment
Paypal
Paypal:
PayPal is gladly accepted and is accommodated through the checkout or may be made directly from PayPal's website at www.paypal.com. Your item will be mailed the next business/mailing day after your Payapl payment is received, unless I happen to be out of my office.
Payment Policy:
PayPal: PayPal is gladly accepted and is accommodated through the checkout or may be made directly from PayPal's website at www.paypal.com. Your item will be mailed the next business/mailing day after your Payapl payment is received, unless I happen to be out of my office.
Shipping
Domestic shipping: Weight based Shipping Charges.
Domestic Carriers are: Usps Priority
International shipping: Weight based Shipping Charges.
International Carriers are: Usps Priority Intl
I will ship to:
United States, Worldwide
Weight:
3 lbs.
Shipping and Handling:
Please check eBay's Shipping & Payment tab
Hello! I'm a militaria collector like you and I do this as a sideline to my own collecting.  Nonetheless, I'll handle your order in a business-like and professional manner.  Thanks for your business!
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