New guy, new to collecting. Know nothing,,,lol.

So I recently acquired what I believe is a M1951 entrenching tool. I was just looking for a cheap folding shovel for camping. This was advertised as a "JEEP TOOL". I got it for $15.

After some research I found out that it's a 1966 etool made by Ames. Cool. So I decided I had to have a cover.

I found plenty to choose from on ebay. There was one on there being represented as a M1956 cover and having a 1966 date code. DSA 100. Is this correct? The seller gave me a good explanation of how he dated them. I believed him. He did not know my etool was a 1966.

I also asked was it normal to have a matching date code. He said nearly impossible. He had only seen a couple of instances. So weather or not it adds any value, I think I have matching date codes.

Now the problem is I can not get this thing to go all the way down in the cover. The flaps on the shovel miss the leather by about 1/4''. Not sure if that's normal or not. I've spent a lot of time jerking this in and out. It's got better. But I think it's done.

I can see the center leather strip that rides the rivets is worn through, and has created a hole on the back of the cover. This shovel did not do it. So I'm wondering if this cover is made out of spec.

Or is it just the wrong cover for the etool with a pick. But if it has that DSA 100 date code, seems like it would be correct.

I admit the etool is kinda dirty and rusty. I will clean it up and see if that helps matters. I'm guessing the cover has shrunk from years in storage. Is there anything I can do to the cover to loosen it up. Could I get it wet and let it dry on the shovel. I've heard that's how to get a pair of leather boots to fit good,,,lol.

Sorry for rambling.




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