Alistair, the image also looks to me like it says "GBR," rather than ""GDR."  But of course, you have the tool at hand.  You might look again, and probably you are correct.  mcneely

---- Jonce Fancher <streetbugs@FRONTIER.COM> wrote:
> Hi
> Not sure since I can only go by the pictures but the one shovel I
> believe is GBR aka Great Britain. But without further inspection.
> I have Autoparts of the era with GBR on the box and part. I would
> double check the stamping.
> Of course I could be wrong and have been in the past.
>
> Jonce
> NOT a Shovel expert!!
>
> >(You all must have one I'm sure. Maybe you have the modern US army
> >type - you know, with the triangular handle.)
> >
> >to celebrate the return of the prodigal shovel, I took some picks
> >comparing it with it's E. German relation.
> >
> >http://shufti.wordpress.com/2013/11/28/trenching-tools-east-meets-west/
> >
> >alistair

--
David McNeely