Swiss Aluminium Shovels?

[Mangrove]

Does anyone have a clue what use, if any, did the aluminium shovels manufactured by Swiss "ASS" see? They are sold by the Finnish retailer as snow shovels but they are clearly modeled after the universal military shovel design with detachable handle. Maybe they were special issue for the Swiss mountain troops (see the photograph)? The whole batch seems to be manufactured in 1939.
Swiss snow shovel, used - Varusteleka.fi

 

[Heeresbergführer]

Hei Martti,

Yes they are a special avalanche/snow shovel for mountain troops. The picture you posted shows the Swiss Alpine Rucksack with the snow shovel and ice axe for mountaineering.

Bergheil und Horrido!

Patrick

 

[Dudleydoright]

Same type were used by the Norwegians in the 70's & 80's when i was on exercise over there.