Passable for period shovels?

[Grabenkater]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

Occasionally one can find these Swedish surplus shovels in surplus shops.

I have always thought they looked correct, but about half size of normal shovels.

Any input?

http://go-armynavy.com/military-surplus/field-gear/shovels-axes/swedish-military-non-folding-shovel.html

[Dennis W. Duerbeck]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

Re : Sean's hatchet head it is close to what is shown in the Russell & Irwin catalog. What is illustrated has a rounded head, ( I think the correct terminology is the poll). This is page 203 under the Heading of AXES, ADZES AND HATCHETS". As for the shovels those shovels in the posted color photo are good example and are basically shown in the R & I catalog.

I own a reprint of that catalog. That's 436 pages of civil War period "stuff ".

Dennis W. Duerbeck

.

[Ambrose Bierce]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

Paul,

Yes, these shovels look like some period ones illustrated in various catalogues of the period. You are also correct in that they are generally smaller than originals. For look and appearance they are 3/4 scale, I think, but work fine for turning sod and sure beats using a modern one from Ace Hardware. I have one of these and two of the period, along with hatchets and buck saws. Now I just need to get to an event to use these!

As has been addressed, period ones are availavble with a little searching and elbow grease. I recall Hank Trent listed some for sale last year.

[faabala]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

I have not seen any examples of any shovels in this period that have sockets like modern shovels. All the LOC images i have seen show straps and rivets for spades and long handled shovels.

[Ambrose Bierce]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

That is a good point; the Swedish ones do have the socket fitting. Hmm. But that one in the link isn't the one I was thinking of. When I get home I will post a photo of the spade to which I was referring. I agree that the socket and rivet arrangement is likely not correct, I guess I was more focused on the handle ( helps to not look so quickly!)

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

Just saw this on facebook, it's hard to make out the heads of the implements but there are some shovels, axes and various implements of destruction in here.



Hi res here: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource...811/?co=civwar

[Bill]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

Gentlemen,

Perhaps some of you have a higher resolution photo, but in the picture of the soldiers standing on the bridge, at least two of them seem to be holding long handled shovels with "modern" shanks. First, the soldier standing next to the fat officer and second, the man wearing dark trousers tucked into his socks.

[faabala]

Re: Passable for period shovels?

All the long handles shovels in that image have straps not sockets