Swiss Army Pioneer Shovel – RG & CIE 1944 (Original Surplus)

Swiss Army Pioneer Shovel – RG & CIE 1944

Historical Context

In 1944, Switzerland had maintained a general mobilization of its army since 1939, surrounded by Axis powers. The pioneer shovel was then an essential piece of individual equipment for every soldier: digging trenches, building fortifications, and preparing defensive positions in the Alps. The Swiss Army, with over 400,000 mobilized men, relied on a national alpine redoubt for which these tools were everyday instruments.

The Shovel

This field shovel was manufactured in 1944 by RG & CIE, a Swiss manufacturer approved by the army. It is stamped with the manufacturer's name and the year of production, guaranteeing its authenticity. Its robust design—forged steel blade and solid wood handle—reflects the demanding quality standards of the Swiss military industry at the time.

• Manufacturer: RG & CIE (Switzerland)
• Year of manufacture: 1944
• Dimensions: 54 cm × 15 cm
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Material: Forged steel, solid wood handle
• Origin: Switzerland – authentic military surplus
• Condition: Used – wear consistent with age and use (see photos)

For collectors

Swiss neutrality during the Second World War allowed for the preservation of military equipment in limited quantities and remarkable condition. Stamped and dated pieces like this one are particularly sought after by European militaria collectors. A rare collector's item that bears witness to Swiss military history from the 1939–1945 period.