Wehrmacht Entrenching Tool with 'Ersatz' Carrying Case (Spaten mit Spatentasche). The entrenching tool was a basic item issued to all EM/NCO’s and was issued with a specific carrying case that was to be worn on the belt. The carrying case is made of tan coloured 'Ersatz' (Preßstoff) material having two brown leather loops and could be worn on the load carrying waist belt. There is one minor repair to the buckle of the closure strap, see close up photos. The carrying case is nicely maker marked and dated 'hjh4' indicating production by the company of 'Carl Ackva' from Bad Kreuznach. The shovel is nicely maker marked and dated 1944. Nice original entrenching tool in good used condition!