Need help in identifying amazing old shovel

[gben]

I am surprised that whoever manufactured this shovel did not put their name on it somewhere.
It has a beautifully shaped, forged-steel blade that is fit into a handle-forging with precision machining, forgings are welded onto each end of the tubular steel shaft to hold the blade and wood handle. The entire thing rings like a bell if you flick it with your finger, as if it is all hardened alloy steel.
It has one mark on the handle forging that may identify the company that forged that part.
It almost looks as if the shaft may have been nickel-plated at one time. Anyway it is a beautifully made old shovel that must have cost a LOT to manufacture with all the forging, welding and putting a taper into the handle-tube at the blade-end. When I get my antique wheelbarrow out to haul some gravel, this is the shovel I will use with it from now on, and it will be a pleasure. As long as it is not too hot out....

 

[Square_peg]

It's a high end coal shovel. The quality of the welds make me think it must be from the 40's or later, probably post post war. Pre-war welding was typically rougher than this, though a very high end maker might have achieved it.

Amazing piece! And you're right about the nickel plating. It must have been an absolute jewel when new.

It's not like anything I've found here. I wonder if it might be German. Though it would almost have to be pre-war for that.

 

[garry3]

How is the blade attached to the handle, screws?

 

[gben]

How is the blade attached to the handle, screws?

The handle is just a press-fit on the blade. There are the two holes going through both the handle and blade forgings, but there is nothing in them. I guess some rivets could be put into the holes, but the handle is on very tight and unless it was really abused I do not think it will need any.

I would not think this was for shoveling coal, as coal is light and the blade is so shallow it would not hold much coal. Usually coal shovels have a deep blade so more work can be done. With it's shallow blade and it's very heavy forged construction I would think it would be for shoveling heavy material such as rock, gravel or ore.

 

[Lieblad]

Sure looks like coal shovel. But A British trenching shovel is similar. Many of them are all steel too. But so fancy and residue of nickel plating ?? Perhaps a presentation piece ?

But if for coal, not for the mines where scooped volume is key. Its what the guy stoking a boiler or furnace would use.
Being high design & fancy, might think its from a wealthy estate or crematory where a Butler or other highbrow staff had to keep a fire stoked.

 

[Park Swan]

That is an incredible piece! Thanks for sharing, it's inspirational.