WW1 Imperial Soviet Russian – MPL-50 SHOVEL / ENTRENCHING TOOL – VERY NICE!

You are bidding on a VERY NICE used example of a WW1 Imperial Soviet / Russian Military Shovel / Entrenching Tool!The MPL-50 is a small spade, approx. 20″ in length, invented by Danish officer Mads Johan Buch Linnemann in 1869. It has been used by rank and file military personnel in the Russian Empire, Soviet Union and its successor states since the late 19th century. While nominally an entrenching tool, the MPL-50 has seen wide-ranging wartime applications, from a close-quarters combat weapon to a cooking utensil.Made of steel and wood,this entrenching tool is in EXCELLENT condition for its age. There is no major corrosion or damage, however there are some marks and wear from use. The front of the shovel head has a sleeve that holds the handle in place with a back sleeve spot welded to the shovel head, and two rivets through the handle. An enlarged ball end is to the handle for ease of use. Traces of the original paint can also be seen. Featuring a makers logo and production date of 1915, there is one additional stamp, consisting of a small 'SA'. This indicates that it was re-used by Finland after the war (and most likely used into WW2, as the styles were identical). Approx. 22″ long, it would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!