Original Items: Only One Pair Available. This is a good service-worn pair of original German WWII folding entrenching shovels, known as Klappspaten. Both retain their wooden handles, pointed steel blades, folding mechanisms, and Bakelite locking nuts, with each showing honest age and field wear.

The German folding entrenching shovel was introduced in November 1938 as a more versatile alternative to the traditional fixed-blade infantry spade. The blade could be locked in the extended position for digging or positioned at an angle for use as a pick or hoe. Its compact folding design influenced numerous later military entrenching tools.

The first shovel bears an unidentified maker’s logo stamped into the lower right corner of the blade. The marking remains visible but has not been matched to a specific manufacturer.

This example shows heavy service and age wear, including finish loss, oxidation, scratches, staining, and wear to the steel components. The wooden handle retains a good amount of its original color and remains solid. The folding mechanism is fitted with its original dark Bakelite tightening nut.

The second shovel is clearly stamped:

B & CO.
SOLINGEN
H40

The B & Co. Solingen marking is documented on original German WWII folding shovels, although the complete company name has not been confirmed from the available information. The “40” most likely denotes 1940 manufacture, while the precise meaning of the preceding “H” remains uncertain.

The second shovel also retains a strong wooden handle with scattered scuffs, scratches, and denting around the pommel. Its original Bakelite tightening nut remains fitted to the folding mechanism.

Both shovels display substantial finish wear, oxidation, accumulated dirt, and surface patina consistent with military use and long storage. The folding mechanisms and locking components should be handled carefully and have not been represented as restored or serviced.

The Klappspaten was a sophisticated but comparatively expensive piece of equipment to manufacture, and surviving original examples are increasingly desirable. This well-matched pair offers two distinct maker markings and an excellent service-used appearance, making them ideal for a German WWII field-equipment display or advanced entrenching-tool collection.