Tongs marked for Philip Weekes of Dublin 1830 which sold in the same city 188 years later.
They were marked for Philip Weekes, Dublin 1830, and were crested and inscribed with a monogram.
Work by Weekes may be less rare than thought in the past, when many pieces were ascribed to his Dublin contemporary Peter Walsh, and the trade were surprised at the interest in the 10oz tongs — either vegetable tongs or salad servers – estimated at €400-600.
“The work wasn’t particularly distinguished,” said auctioneer Katie McGale, but their 11in (28cm) length made them a rarity and they sold to an overseas collector at €7000 (£6140).
