Useless design, but a Holly Grail for Canadianicon Militaria collectors !
Oh sh*t! I have seen one of these at a Passchendaele farm.
This was among several items that a farmer friend was showing a buddy and me.
I actually had one of those shovels in my hand, and no, it was not a rust hole.

I passed on it for an exploded 18 pounder that I found in his field.

I have toured these areas several times. I follow the path of my Father's Uncle
Charles Arthur Parkes who was with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles 1914-17.
Medically discharged upon being gassed at Vimy in 1917.

I will be returning this Sept.
I will drop by my friend the farmer once again in Passchendaele.