Shovel ID?

[Lang]

Here is an extensive article on military WW2 shovels.

Looks like whatever make or style you have is correct.

http://jeepdraw.com/John_Barton1_Shovels.html

Anyone who has ever had to use a shovel in anger knows the extreme bend on a "jeep" shovel makes it very difficult to use properly while any of the more conventional straighter shank shovels are ergonomically superior.

Everyone talks about #2 being the correct shovel but those with other period styles may find #2 stamps on straighter shank varieties even long handled types. I think #2 referred to the size or possibly blade shape (round, square or coal-shovel). Because #2 is found on nearly all jeep curved shovels it has become legend it refers to them alone.

Lang