WTB Period D Handle Shovel

[Parault]

I am in need (I think so anyway) of a shovel. I have been in contact with one sutler who by the way had two. One had a crack in the handle, and the other one was described to me as a sharpshooter type.

I am looking for a typical period style shovel with a typical blade on it. If anyone has an idea or knows where to purchase one let me know.

Thank You

[Picket Post]

to add on to this gentleman's request, does anyone know of anyone who reproduces 19th century tools? It would be great to find someone making period shovels, picks, saws, etc.

[Micah Trent]

I am in need (I think so anyway) of a shovel. I have been in contact with one sutler who by the way had two. One had a crack in the handle, and the other one was described to me as a sharpshooter type.

I am looking for a typical period style shovel with a typical blade on it. If anyone has an idea or knows where to purchase one let me know.

Thank You

I have a few originals and have found them at antique shops and peddlar's malls. They usually go for $6-$20 bucks. To buy one reproduced is going to cost you a bit more. I would go shopping at your local shops before looking into getting a repro. Good luck in your search.

[jerryeberg]

Would anyone get angry at us if we used antique shovels to dig firepits?

[Micah Trent]

I use them and have seen them used at events. I have had individuals call me stupid for doing it, others like it. It's all up to you. It is more authentic...

[hoosiersojer]

Okay..,so where would one find a repro?

[Jim Mayo]

Okay..,so where would one find a repro?

Short answer: Nobody makes a repro. It's an original or nothing unless you can make your own. There are some new shovels sold by some of the chain stores which resemble an original D handle but IMO are not even close. Junky antique stores in farm country are your best bet for finding one. I have seen them from ten dollars up to around fifty, depending on condition and the owners fondness for them.

I have a couple of originals pictured on this page along with documantation as to style usage if you want to look.

http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/tools/tools.html

[Micah Trent]

Okay..,so where would one find a repro?

I could be mistaken, but I do believe I have seen some sold by one of the approved vendors over on the AC.

[bill watson]

There's a gazillion d-handle spade original still around. They are heavy and last forever and aren't much fun to use anyway. All reasons why they are around still. And they were probably reproduced for a long time after the war, same model.

If you diligently hit antique malls and big outdoor yard sales and estate sales, you will eventually find one with sound wood and a full blade. It will be dull. This will sound stupid only if you've not had to use one of these: It needs to be sharpened, with a file or stone, or you'll be bouncing the thing off the ground trying to dig.

They really are a pain. Short, awkward, have to work bent over with it, and the blade is small and flat so the dirt is falling off as soon as you manage to get it loose. Like trying to eat stew with a butter knife. Not the most efficient tool ever designed. But they're small enough to carry around easily and look good in a photograph.

[hoosiersojer]

Jim,


Thanks for the link.I've seen this site before and had it bookmarked once,but somewhere along the line had lost it.Good to have it back...