Antique pair of 19th century French chestnut tongs, unusual piece of kitchenalia

A pair of wooden chestnut tongs - probably made from walnut

These would have been used to stir the chestnuts that would be lying in a vat of hot water for blanching. The aim was to remove the outer skins prior to the chestnuts being eaten. The tongs would be used to stir the chestnuts and also to remove the outer skins once they were floating in the water

I am led to believe that these tongs are called gatarfos in Occitan (the language of Languedoc in France)

These are in highly original condition with the original coach bolt and nut. Chip carved handles to assist with the grip

Condition:

The tongs exhibit wear at the top of the handles just as one would like to see

The coach bolt and nut are in good order

An area of minor loss along the shaft of the tongs as shown in one of the photographs

Postage is just to within the UK mainland with delivery being via UPS

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date