In response to Friday’s post on the patriotic 40s kitchen, Josh writes: I’m in love with that sink. Do they still make any like that? Thanks for the question, Josh. Unfortunately, not that I know of. But, I have some recommendations:
- Porcelain-enamel-on-cast-iron or steel drainboard sinks were extremely common in the postwar period, so you can find one vintage if you are patient. Watch your Re-Store Habitat for Humanity or local salvage type place, Craigslist, on our Retro Renovation Forum, and ebay. I were looking for a vintage drainboard sink, I would hold out until I found one in near-perfect shape, although you can get these re-porcelained.
- Historichouseparts.com, one of my favorite places. The first sink (below) was for sale on their site for $725, and count on a hefty shipping charge, too. Others shown are sold for the most part, check in frequently and I’m sure they’ll be glad to help:
- I also recently found a site, thisoldtubandsink.com that says it specializes in vintage porcelain-on-cast-iron pieces, including refinishing. Honestly, I cannot vouch for the refinishing work – and from what I know about this, it can be truly tricky. But this merchant certainly also seem to have a number of as-is pieces in good shape such as this 42×25 double sink at $635. There are other pieces with drainboards as well:
Click this photo to see how Joe used the Elkay drainboard sink in his kitchen
- And, don’t forget – that another very viable alternative, are the Elkay Lustertone stainless steel sinks made in the 50s and still available today. While they may not be as “sweet” as the white porcelain, they are probably in reality – more functional, as stainless steel does not chip, is very sanitary, and is easy to keep clean.
- If you are looking for a vintage drainboard sink, be sure that the length and width will fit your space – and that the height of the integral backsplash will work for you as well. You’ll also need to “mate” the sink to the adjacent countertops, I don’t have any advice on this…
Again – there were millions of these made. For example, in the immediate (and less affluent) postwar period from 1946-early 50s, the sink cabinet/drainboard sink combo was marketed heavily as a standalone piece to be integrated into farmhouse kitchens — the Mrs. would keep her wood cabinets, only buy the steel sink base and complementary sink/drainboard. There were big names all over this action, too — Kohler, American Standard, Youngstown. That’s why you see so many sink bases ONLY (as in the photos from historichouseparts.com, above) for sale.
Finally, in further researching Josh’s question, I found two reproduction sinks that are made currently – both are very pre-war and are really meant as farmhouse style sinks to stand on legs or freestanding. Note, most cabinets today and in the 50s on, were 25″ deep.
Here’s the Nottingham Brass Sandford sink, it’s 42″x21″ and $969 free shipping from signaturehardware.com:
And here’s a Strom sink sold as Clarion by plumbingsupply.com (and others) at $1599 plus $175 shipping:
8 vintage style Elkay drainboard sinks for a midcentury kitchen remodel 
A special faucet for vintage American Brand kitchen drainboard sinks – still available 
Joe replaces a vintage porcelain drainboard kitchen sink with a new Elkay stainless steel drainboard sink 
Become a fan
We have a 1929 Crane wall hung oval ‘shaving sink’ (our term …) with high backsplash that has been in our bathroom since – well, 1934 – when it was built. As you may expect, the wonderfully thick porcelain on cast iron construction now looks very worn. Discoloration around the drain, chips and erosion along the ‘deck’ portion that surrounds the surprisingly intact oval basin.. We love the old beast, despite its flaws and would love to find a way to “make it whole again” but we’re not familiar with the ‘best’ way to accomplish this. And can anyone suggest if its possible to find such a thing in the Denver area.
I have a story on a place that can re-porcelain the sink for you — http://retrorenovation.com/2011/09/06/real-porcelain-enamel-coating-to-restore-your-drainboard-sink-tub-or-stove/
I have a 1958 double sink,double drainboard,porcelain over cast iron.It is in fantastic condition.No stains,no chips.It has been in my home and used as my everyday sink.Its time to redo the kitchen and the sink is just way to big.72″long.If anyone is interested to purchase the sink they can contact me via reply
Tim: Post this on our buy/sell Forum: http://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Thank you Pam,
I should have looked for that for forum before I posted here.
Hi Tim,
I’m interested in knowing more about your sink. Where are you located and how much are you asking for it?
Take this OVER TO THE FORUM, peoples: http://retrorenovation.com/forums/
I reposted in the forum under Vintage – kitchen
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thank you!
Hi Tim,
I’m interested in your sink and would like to learn more about it. If it’s still available, please email so we can discuss details. Thank you.
Dana
Dana, all these sorts of exchanges need to go on to the Forum: http://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Can you send pics of sink and measurements please. Looking for an old five foot that includes drainboards on both sides with sink in middle white porcelain. Thank you so much and price
June, please take buying/selling over to the forum: http://retrorenovation.com/forums
Does anyone know the brand of the metal cabinet with yellow sink top? I have an identical piece only the sink is double. Labeled 1949 but no manufacturer.
I’m thinking Homart.
Hi
We have a Youngstown by Mullins drain board sink with cabinets. It has been our laundry room in the basement but I believe it was originally in the kitchen. It is in poor shape. It has rust, a bad faucet was put on and it got a bad paint job at some point.
One guy we talked to sad it would be about 3000 to restore, are there any less expensive options that would be worth trying? We don’t want to get replace the sink. We are in Central Jersey.
Thanks
Jennifer
See: http://retrorenovation.com/2011/09/06/real-porcelain-enamel-coating-to-restore-your-drainboard-sink-tub-or-stove/
who ever told you $3000 was trying to rip you off or had no accurate info. If its a cast iron sink, there is no current process being offered to do a good job in real porcelain. If its a stamped steel sink, I am sure you can get it done for $500 -1000 or so in real porcelain. You can likely find a replace ment for $500-$1500 in great condition. Price will depend on if its stamped steel or cast iron. Cast will be the most costly.
Ken