Vietnam Era West German Entrenching Tool

[cody6268]

This was purchased about maybe 15 years ago by my father at the local Army Navy surplus store (with what they have, it's more of a military antiques store, as very little there comes from recent wars), to keep in a CJ-3A Jeep he has. Eventually, he let me keep it, even though we both use it for various tasks. I think it needs to be retired from use, and put on display.


My research suggests that this wasn't US Army issue, but West German. However, West Germany was involved in the Vietnam War alongside us, so the US Army could have acquired some, in addition to that 5120 is still the USN classification number for E-tools. I haven't the least idea who makes it.

There are just nonsensical numbers on the E-tool and sheath, and no identifiers as to the company that produced it.


Shovel:

5120
12-121
1532
A man holding a shovel
1965 (I'm guessing production date?)


Sheath:

5120-12-(Something might be missing here)
140-220-1(or 4)8
7164 Pausch (what made me first think the origin was German)

[gew8805]

...........................
West Germany was involved in the Vietnam War alongside us, so the US Army could have acquired some, in addition to that 5120 is still the USN classification number for E-tools. I haven't the least idea who makes it.

Sorry, no, Germany had no part in the War in Vietnam. South Vietnam and Australia were the only active US allies there.

If I recall correctly, 5120 is the NATO part # for etools. The US, as a member of NATO, subscribes to that system as do all members; Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, etc. Though they use different models of each item, they all use the same number so that if it ever becomes necessary, the proper item can be issued from allied stock when serving together if there is a shortage.

The etool illustrated is exclusive to the German military, it never saw service with the US military.

[Quick Steel]

A minor correction. South Korea provided combat troops. The Philippines provided non combat troops.