Wanted M38A1 metal handled Shovel

[Mike_B]

I'm looking for an M38A1 metal handled shovel.

Thanks,

Mike B
_________________
Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[RonD2]

Hi Mike,
Not clear exactly what your looking for. Are you after a NOS or take-off shovel? Pretty sure MWM has them.

Before I learned about the special curved nature of M38 shovels and finally found one, I bought one of these at my local hardware store for $35: https://www.razor-back.com/tool/shovels-and-scoops/43205-round-point-shovel-with-open-back-dual-rivet-and-d-grip/

It's a nice shovel, no plastic, all-steel, ash wood D-handle and shaft, made in the USA. Searching some of the threads here about M38A1 shovels, the Razor-Back is apparently too long at 41.5 inches, but some folks said they popped the rivet off the handle and successfully shortened it to the 37-inch M38A1 length.

Mine is now a garden tool.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

[Mike_B]

Thanks for responding Ron,

I did call John and they are out of stock , he only has the plastic handled shovels at this time. I tried a few other well known vendors and struck out with them as well. I'd be happy with a 'take-off'...not building a trailer queen.

The A1 shovel handle is very straight so it doesn't hit the radiator/grille support bar. I'll look around for the Razor Back to see if it will work.

Mike B
_________________
Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[Mike_B]

Ron,

Can you post or email me a side profile picture of the Razorback shovel that you have? None of the vendors have that view and I'd like to confirm the handle is almost straight all the way down. If it's curved where the wood inserts into the metal than it will not work on the A1.

Thanks,

Mike B
_________________
Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[RonD2]

Hi Mike,
Sorry for the delay, I just caught your post.
Will this photo tell you what you need to know? I don't recall ever seeing a D-handled shovel that wasn't curved near the blade.
I lifted the photo on the right from another post for comparison.

_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

[Stiknruddr]

Found mine on Epay guy in Utah had a huge container of original shovels NOS

[RonD2]

Hi Stiknruddr,
It might be helpful if you could post a link to them on fleabay, or any other information that could help contacting that guy in Utah?

I came across an old post in this forum that said Beechwood Canvas (New Jersey) had some.
I found a listing, but their website is a mess to navigate. Probably not helpful, because it also says the shovel is $149.
Pretty sure you'd have to want one real bad to pay that price. See here: https://www.beachwoodcanvas.com/order/productlist.cfm
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari