Mint Condition USGI M1956 Entrenching Tool Shovel Covers Pre-1968 dated ('60-67)

Description

Up for grabs are eight United States Government Issued Vietnam War - era M1956 entrenching tool (E-tool) AKA "Intrenching tool" pouches. There are no E-tools, this listing is just for the carrying pouches themselves. E-tools are simply small shovels carried by almost every GI. They were invaluable for creating foxholes and other fighting positions, and in some cases doubled as a close quarters melee weapon.
The M1956 series of load bearing equipment (LBE) was the first major improvement to loadbearing equipment since the Korean War. Like the older LBE it replaced, it too was primarily comprised of canvas. However, the major design change was the use of locking metal clips to attach pouches and gear instead of metal hangers and hooks. The M1956 series was the primary LBE used throughout the Vietnam War. However, canvas proved ill suited to the hot and humid jungles of Vietnam. Starting in 1967, the new nylon M1967 LBE started to be fielded and supplemented the older system, however, the M1956 would still be standard issue and by far the most seen and used gear of the war.
The M1956 E-tool pouch features a button snap top flap, and an opening at the bottom for the shovel handle. It also features the mount and a single snapped flap for mounting a bayonet, such as the M6. At the rear there are two "ALICE" style clips for mounting to a belt or pack. There are four reinforcement rivets at the bottom, and two on the canvas reinforcement band where the clips are. Certain parts of the pouch are reinforced with leather strips.
All pouches are original and dated 1960 - 1967.
Most of these pouches are in excellent unissued condition, however some may have been used. Some pouches may have slight wear, dirt, or feature slightly oxidized snaps, clips, or rivets. The ones pictured are representative of a pouch you may recieve. I will not cherry pick, you will get one random pouch pictured. All pouches will have all of their components including snaps, clips, and rivets. All of these pouches are free from significant defects and are in excellent functional condition. Some may have slight cosmetic issues from age or use. All of the pouches feature visible stamps.
Item shipped with USPS first class mail. These items are being sold as is - what you see is what you will receive. These items are kept in a smoke free home. Please feel free to utilize the contact feature to message me if you have any questions, or require additional photos or measurements. Please let me know if you intend to purchase multiple items from me, and will likely want combined shipping. Happy bidding!