This is a nice original first pattern Wehrmacht (Heer) Folding Shovel Carrying Case (Spatentasche für Klappspaten).On 12 November 1938 a new improved, folding shovel was introduced to replace the earlier non-folding pattern entrenching tool. The entrenching tool/shovel 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 leather having one leather loops and could be worn on the load carrying waist belt. The carrying case is nicely maker marked by the company 'Voegels' from Köln and dated 1940. The leather is a bit dry and the metal parts are slightly rusted, see photos. The carrying case is in clearly used and worn condition, therefore priced accordingly!