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:
These porcelain-enamel-on-cast-iron or steel drainboard sinks were UBIQUITOUS in the postwar period, so you can find one if you are patient. Watch your Habitat for Humanity/Restore or local Re-Sell type place, Craigslist, on our Retro Renovation Forum, and ebay. The one at the left (no drainboards, though, and in reality a ‘farmhouse sink) was recently on ebay – mint in packaging, never used and it went for about $400. Honestly, if I were looking for one of these – I would hold out until I found one in near-perfect shape.
In addition, watch 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:
Finally — I recently saw a couple of vintage drainboard sinks in Rejuvenation’s salvage yard, for those of you in the Portland, Oregon area.
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. I’ve done a number of posts on these in the past, click here for the most recent.
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
Hi,
There are also a couple of vintage sources to at least give a try on the Mid-Atlantic coast:
“Caravatti’s” (sp) in Richmond, VA. (Huge architectural salvage business), and,
“Country Boy Antiques” in Norfolk, VA. (Smaller business, lower prices).
Good luck!
Ronn Ives/FUTURES Antiques
i AM LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE SINK WHICH IS PORCELIN, RETRO LOOKING LAVATORY STYLE WITH 2 PILLAR TYPE COLUMN LEGS HOLING IT UP AND IT IS A ROUNDED BASIN TYPE , WITH THREE FAUCETS AND A CENTER DRAIN. IT IS A SWOOPING STYLE AND I CAN N OT FIND ONE ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN A PICTURE SHOWING IDEAS FOR BATHROOMS
Josh, last summer we found a double sink version at a yard sale for $10. We once lived in a house with such a sink and we loved those built-in drainboards! But, we couldn’t locate the right sized cabinet for our yard sale find. We moved on with plan B, and put in a stainless steel sink. We are holding on to our cool sink with drainboards and hope to use it someday, when the right cabinet comes along.
There’s a house for sale around the corner from me that is in amazing vintage shape–it doesn’t look like it’s been renovated since the 50s (if that) and a lot of it is original to the 1920s house. I love the house, but it’s too much work for my husband and I, it’s unlivable as it is, every room needs serious renovation. Anyway, the kitchen is exactly like that, it has one of those white porcelain double sinks over a white steel cabinet base, while the rest of the kitchen is original wood cabinets, likely from the 1920s.
yes I love that sink! I don’t think we can get them here in NZ though.
Just saw this one for $275.00 on the Denver Craigslist as well! http://denver.craigslist.org/hsh/617903137.html Looks like it would need some serious refinishing, but pretty cool…
Our sink looks almost exactly like that advertisement! How very neat. We’re actually doing a kitchen remodel & I’m trying to research how much we could get for a sink like that? Thanks!!
hi so i found one of these sinks for 40$ and would really like to put it in my kitchen we have a double bowl sink there now, it seems to me like it might look kinda funny to simply set it in place on top of our wooden counter top but i dont know it could be sweet too anyone have any thoughts or pictures. thanks ruth
Hi riverdork,
Trish had a porcelain drainboard sink sitting right on top of her counter – it looked kind of sweet! Take a look within this post:
http://retrorenovation.com/2008/05/12/trish-and-her-two-family-50s-house-in-woonsocket-ri/
I really like the 2nd and the last picture of these sinks.this is similar to what I’m searching for . I have a newer model cast iron sink,but I’d like to have a double drainboard double bowl type cast iron sink from the past.
You have a lot of very good looking pieces here.
Is the sinks above number 2,3, 5 and 6 are they for sale and how much are they.
Rene, these sinks are just examples. We don’t sell anything here….
Way hot!
I’ve had a lot of luck finding these sinks on bases/cabinets at little flea market/antique stores here in north central Indiana. They usually go for $50-$100. I love these – I was lucky enough to buy a house that has it’s original cast-iron farm sink intact, complete with drainboard. Anyway, check out the flea markets! You never know.
Hi,
I live in Indy West side and I was wondering what the names of those flea market with the 50′s style sinks are if you can remember? I really love the old sinks and would like to purchase one at a lower price than offered at most stores/sites.
Thank You,
Tiffany
I love these sinks! Two years ago, I answered a Craigslist ad for someone selling one of these (with cabinet) for $75. He actually had two and I bought both of them. They still need some TLC (due to some cabinet rust) before I install them, but they’re awesome. He also had (unadvertised) furniture for sale. So, it pays to ask if someone selling antiques has other items for sale. There might be sinks and things that haven’t yet been listed for sale.
Boy, does that sink bring back memories! My grandma used to have a very similar one in her kitchen with metal cabinets!
hi, You may find a sink like that Josh on Ebay. Last year after searching for 8 years I found a pink double drainboard double sink in mint condition that was in an elderly womans home. It cost me $2500.00 for the sink and $500.00 for the shipping but I fell in love with it. I have been collecting pink 50′s appliances for the past 10 years. I have the wall refrigerator, 4 stoves including the frigidaire flair, the old wringer washer, dishwasher and the refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom.Also I have managed to get all of the small appliances in pink. I could go on and on. You can find anything on EBAY if you just be patient. It is all in storage waiting for me to build our dream home very soon. I cant wait. Once you are bitten by the bug thats it!!!!!!
I bought a colonial in 1985 where the cabinets were all Youngstown by Mullins with the double sink/double drainboards as you show above. The house is in Oyster Bay on Long Island NY. How do I find the right people to do the necessary to clean them up, remove sticky paper from them and paint them the white color they are now and whatever else they need to look really fine. Is it always the case that they must be taken elsewhere to be worked on, or will some people do in the house??? tks for any info and help on this question….MK
Hi Maureen, sorry, this site is not focused on DIY or fix-it…I think you will need to get on the phone and try to talk to professionals (in porcelain enameling) to find this out. Good luck.
Ms Kelly,
I have one of these Younstown units that is currently being refurbished. The top – sink(s) and drainboards are porcelain over steel and I am certain you can find a local company in NYC area that does porcelain repair. They can sandblast(multi-media blast) then recoat with porcelain. Cost is around $350. You will have to take it to them. Once the faucet has benn disconnected, grab the back of the top and pull up and toward you. It is held in place by 2 hooks on the front. Once you have it nearly vertical you can pull toward you and lift away from base. It is only about 20 pounds.
The base unit can be sand blasted and powdercoated. The color for both is Oyster White. The base work will cost about $500. Mine turned out beautifully. Good luck. M
I realize it is two years ago for this particular person, but hopefully my response will be helpfull to someone else.
I always feel bad when i see or here of anyone being dooped, mislead etc.
No one is going to sand blast and put ‘new porcelain’ on a sink for $350!
Porcelain is furnace fired ceramic glass. It is done at over 2000 degrees.
The refinishing jobs mentioned by the person above is a paint job. Often referred to as reglasing, refinished, or in error “new porcelain”.
It is paint. It will not hold up for long which is why it is usually guaranteed for about 2-5 years. Porcelain has endured on sinks for up to 100 years in many cases.
You are better off with a nice original porcelain finish with a little wear, than a new paint job!
Hi, I just scored a sink similar to the Nottingham (I think it is 42″ x 20″) – how hard is it to find a base cabinet that narrow? Thanks, Tammy
Hi Tammy. I am not sure about that, frankly. As you know, cabinets today are 24″ deep. My personal experience with vintage steel cabinets is the same… Perhaps the 20″ deep drainboard sat on a custom-made (farmhouse?) cabinet?
I would like to use the 5′ cast iron sink and drainboard with 13″ backsplash I found out by the shed, can have the cabinet made, but if the thing isn’t supposed to sit on the counter, then how is it supposed to sit? Any photos of these that aren’t free-standing? It is really heavy, hints on mounting? Thanks.
I have a 1940′s enamel farm sink which I had re enameled and apparently it was done wrong because it is peeling. I am in search of help to fix it. Any help greatly appreciated.
Mary – I have never heard of re-enameling of the inside of a sink or tub that went well. The contact with water is simply too abrasive over time and the finish peels. In a kitchen sink … which receives hard daily duty … even worse.
I have a drain board sink and I love it. It’s ready handy, because the water from your dishes goes into the sink rather than pooling on your countertop. I made a plaid curtain to go around it, so I could conceal the things I stored underneath, without a cabinet. I think it’s from the 40s. It came with the “time capsule” house I bought, as well as an extra identical sink that was in the yard. I haven’t decided whether to install the extra in another part of the house or sell it.
Wher can I find an old farmhouse sink,I want to renovate my farmhouse kitchen. I live in Corning NY,and would be willing to travel for pick up
We remodeled our home years 10 ago, and I had always wanted an old sink. My husband found two.. We built a new kitchen in our addition and designed our cabinets to allow for the double drain single bowl sink.. I have another one in the back yard… Does anyone know a way to polish the bowl to be more stain resistant?
Thanks, Kathy
LOVE these sinks! We are in the process of dreaming about the re-do of our kitchen in our 1934 house. A friend of mine – who lives in a very new, very up to date home – saw a picture of the big double drainboard one and said “Well, that’s pretty shallow and small. You couldn’t wash many dishes in it.” I laughed and said “I don’t need it to be FUNCTIONAL! It just has to look old and cool!”
I have a 50′s style drainboard sink in my kitchen as I speak. It looks just like the one in the picture. It came with the house when I bought it 20 years ago. Lots of detail in this old house built in 1920′s.
can I make a new cabinet base for my vintage patriotic kitchen sink? the original is missing doors, drawers, rusted beyond repair, the sink and drainboards are still in fair condition. any help on the subject is appriciated
hi janie, i don’t see why not. this is not a DIY site, though… good luck.
How do you find replacement faucets for these sinks? My landlord says that the one I have (similar to all those double drainboard models shown) is 7″ wide- but all new ones are eight and wont fit in the holes already present in the sink. Thank you.
Just did a reno and oops….my sink (1901 home) won’t fit back in the space I thought it would due to a corner cabinet to the left of the sink that sits on the counter! I’m a couple inches long and I need help or a swap to a smaller sink/drain. I’m in upstate NY any ideas? Thanks, Hannah
you might try historichouseparts.com, which i think is in rochester
I have a double drainboard sink that is not made of cast but looks like what I would call speckled porcelain. It has white, I believe porcelain, over it. There is a stamp on the back that says it was born on 11/9/1957. What can you tell me about this sink?
I mean speckled enamel.
Our addition on our 1970′s blah cottage in Cape Cod had to have an “apron” sink. It’s old and great to lean on when doing dishes or food prep. It’s easy to get adapters for the sink faucets. Custom cabinets were made for each side, on the right is the dishwasher.
New England Salvage in New Bedford, MA is amazing and was written up in Old House Magazine.
http://www.nedsalvage.com/
Carol B.
I looking for advice on an old Kohler sink I found. I haven’t seen anything quite like it and I’m trying to decide if $250 is too much for a sink that needs some work. Have you seen any sinks like these? Any idea of the year or worth?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtsalvagestore/4467768886/in/photostream/
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Rosie
rosie, we don’t do valuations on the blog. cool looking sinks – but … and if the enamel is gone, i don’t think you’ll ever get it right again… i am not an expert though – you’ll have to track one down …
Rosie
who ever is removing these sinks does not have any love or respect for them. It is clear to see that they have turned them upside down and slid them along the top surface of the back splash and top surface of the front apron. These surfaces then act as sled runners. This is done for ease of moving by uncaring people. It then gouges the porcelain surfaces ruining an otherwise very nice sink. Try to find one that has been removed properly and caringly. A refinished sink will not hold up to serious kitchen use for long!
good luck
Ken
We have a Youngstown Sink in our house. It looks like one of the above. The rest of my kitchen is wood. My kitchen is sand with cranberry trim/decorations and back steel door is painted cranberry. The sink stood out like a sore thumb but I love it so I decided to paint it cranberry also. WOW….it looks so nice there now….I love it and my husband actually has not ask me to tear it out lately…..
The one with the yellow top and the round handles! That’s my sink! I have it in that exact color in my kitchen! I was wondering how original it was, and I thought it was funny that I have this all-metal cabinetry in my kitchen (all of the pieces are metal and drop-ins). Are there any repair guides to these? My drawers are starting to stick and I know it’s because the little roller wheels they run along are coming loose, I just can’t seem to figure out how to remove the drawer so I can get in there to fix them… This porcelain-coated sink is one of the things that made me fall in love with my house… That, the single arched doorway in the living room, the unique fireplace, and the gorgeous hardwood floors…
We know of no specific sources for the thingies and widgets holding the drawers in, etc. Nor are there any repair guides. You need to improvise.
Nita
pull the drawers out forward as far as possible, then lift the front of the drawer towards the ceiling as you pull up and forwards. Lift the front relatively high and the drawer should come out. If not, look for small metal clips( the size of a barret) on the left and right rear side interiors of the drawers. Pry a portion of that clip inwards towards the center of the drawer as the clips are made to catch on the sides of the cabinet so the drawer will not fall out. Most of these metal cabinets are made like these two methods.
Ken
I am doing a kitchen remodel, and the cabinets and sink I have currently just aren’t going to fit anymore. The sink is just like the one you have linked to the historic site for 750$, and the cabinet is identical to the one with the autumn gold sink. I also have 2 upper matching cabinets and a corner half circle end shelf.
I live in the Seattle area, and am wondering if there is someone out there that knows how I would properly advertise or someone to contact that would be interested in purchasing these items.
I have several posts about this, Matt. Look at the FAQ (top of navigation, in header) or search.
Pam,
I have been looking everywhere including parts houses across the states for a faucet for my sink. It is exactly like The first sink that you showed listed by historichouseparts.com was for sale on their site for $725. The spread and the size of holes for the faucet is very unique. Add in the placement that makes a high rise faucet too “splashy” and it rules out all of the modern faucets. I cannot find a name brand on the sink and have been told several different types that did not match. Can you tell me anything more about that sink? My wife has gone a year now without a faucet and I would love to be able to remedy her kitchen problem.
Thanks for any information you can provide,
John — try deabath.com — they are an advertiser and I believe they have a wide selection. Tell ‘em I sent you. Also check my Kitchens / Faucets category, I believe that I have done at least one story on wall-mount faucets. Good luck, let me know how it turns out.
I just bought a mountain cabin. There are metal cabinets in the kitchen but someone covered them with contact paper of all things. So, I have 2 wall cabinets and a kitchen base cabinet to de-contact. It only peels off inches at a time. Any quick suggestions?
hi patti, this is not a DIY site — sorry. i also always advise: consult with pro’s to ensure you know what you are working with from an environmental and safety standpoint and to make sure you are are taking the right enviro & safety precautions…
use a hair dryer to soften the sticky adhesive and it should peel off much easier
Ken
be careful that you know what is in the adhesive though.
We are doing a kitchen remodel… would love to find a vintage large single bowl sink with drainboards on both side of the sink/.. is there anywhere near Roanoke, Va that we can find this sink??.. and at a good price ??
thanks ..martha
Martha, check my category Kitchen / Sinks for more info: http://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/sinks/
Also – craiglist, your local Re-Store/Habitat for Humanity, salvage places, and our Retro Renovation forum – http://retrorenovation.com/forum
I love your site. I find it’s a wonderful resource for restorations and also for decorating ideas! I was lucky to have some friends rescue a Sears Washington Cabinet Sink from a house in St. Charles, Mo. that was being demolished along with several blocks of other late 1930′s houses. I got lucky and found it pictured in a 1939/1940 sears sink catalog on e-bay and I now own said catalog (if you like, I’d be more than glad to scan the entire thing and send it to you, 12 images total, great ads!). The problem is that the vintage faucets and modern faucets won’t work with this sink. It had a hole directly in front of the hole for the spout for a sprayer. I’ve searched and searched and combed the internet for places that sell true antique (not reproduction) faucets and I’ve had very little luck. Places either only sell vintage style or reproductions or only deal in faucets about 100 years old. Any ideas on where to look to try and find an original Sears faucet for my sink? It may also help other people who have the same issue.
I forgot to mention,third photo down in this thread is the 60×42 Sears Washington sink, sans metal cabinet. I have the 42×42 version with the single drainboard. Note the faucet w/sprayer located under the spout and the overflow drain about halfway up the sink wall.
I found your site while doing research on drainboard sinks. I was hoping that you would allow me to post that I actually have one for sale it is a 66×25 double bowl, double drain board with the extra hole for the sprayer, the holes are in a straight line. It is white and in excellent shape. I do have pics if anybody interested. I am located in Middletown, Pa. Please let me know if this would be possible.
Thank you for your time,
Justin Sipe
justin, you can post these on our Forum: http://retrorenovation.com/forum … (no buying/selling on the main site here). good luck!
Hi Pam. I thought I would ask this question on a blog entry rather than through email in case anyone else has the same question. I recently had the good fortune to be given an old double bowl cast iron sink for our kitchen remodel (no drain boards … our kitchen is just too tiny!). It is in beautiful shape, especially considering it has been outside on a friend’s farm through all of the Iowa seasons — even still has the hudee ring, though we did buy a new one because this one is dinged up. (Our friend was using the sink as a goat trough, but that’s another story.) My questions is that while the enamel is in amazing shape, the underside cast iron has a small amount of rust on it. Is that something we should be trying to clean up before it is installed in the kitchen or is it safe to assume it will be okay having survived snow and rain and ice and sun and all those outdoor elements?
I don’t know the answer to this one. Lauryn, I recommend that talk to a professional about this one… Maybe a plumbing supply company… or even, try Kohler’s Customer Service, they still make these kinds of sinks. Also remember, test materials before you mess with them in case of lead or asbestos or other vintage nastiness; you never know! Good luck.
I have a lot of these old sinks and have dealt with your underside issue many times during the past 10 years. I also wire brush the underside, then wash it down with Mineral Spirits, use rubber gloves if you have concearns. I then paint with Rust-o-Leum with a brush, I put it on heavy, let it dry in the sun. Any paint that gets on the porcelain comes off easily with a putty knife or window razor scraper. Don’t worry, you wont hurt the porcelain. Just keep the blades flat on the sink surface. I often just use my pocket knife. Makes for a nice clean installation. If you go with the advice using a greae or oil, I would use mineral oil as it does not go rancid and does not attract insects. Paint is really the best method in my opinion.
Thanks, Ken. There really is very little rust on the sink, but it’s not exactly a dry climate here in Iowa (especially these days) and it makes sense to take care of this before it becomes a problem. Your help is much appreciated!
Hey Lauryn you really want to take care of that rust it could lead to issues down the road since under sink tops moisture can build up. Very simply take a wire brush and go over bottom of sink knock off any loose rust check for any pin holes that may have made it through the sink itself. If you find any there are companies that can fix these. If you see a pin hole that did not go through the enamel finish on the front you can patch it from the back with bondo before the enamel is lost due to the lack of a substrate below it. After you clean the rust off take any type of oil and just rub it over the entire bottom of the sink. It literally can be any type of oil: vegetable oil, crisco, lard, vaseline, linseed, etc…. Watch your hands there can be some sharp edges under the sink where you knock the rust off. The reason for the oil is to put a protective coating on the metal and to shed water away from the metal to prevent rusting. If you have any questions just post I will respond.
As a side note I currently have a dbl bowl, dbl drainboard for sale. It is 66″ long by 25″ wide, extra hole for sprayer, white finish, near perfect condition. Anyone interested post and I will respond. Good luck to evryone with thier renevations and have great weekends.
Justin
Thanks, Justin. That is very helpful information. I’m pretty sure there are no holes in the enamel, but I will double check. Sounds like a relatively simple DIY job, too.
Your sink sounds fabulous. Wish we had some counter space we could sacrifice, but it’s a tiny kitchen with very limited countertop, so no double drainboard for us. Many thanks again for the tips.
Hi!
I have a sink almost exactly like the one you found on ebay (small pic, very top left). It came with my apartment and I love it. Unfortunately the cabinet (thin metal) needs to be replaced. The landlord wants to gut the whole thing and throw out my sink and give me stainless. Do you know where or how I get a new cabinet for underneath? Do they need to be custom built?
Can someone give me a review of the quality of a Sandford cast iron sink with drainboard? thanks
I have one of these vintage drainboard sinks. We took it off the metal cabinet so that we could install it into our existing 1940′s kitchen cabinets. It was in rather rough shape, so after much internet research, I refinished it myself with POR 15 auto body paint (look the website – it’s not as crazy as it sounds.) Assuming it will hold up, I have two installation pickles – 1. the sink is only 24″ deep, but the old countertops are 25.5 Also, the front of the sink is a bit crummy looking. Any ideas on how to hide the crummy job I did refinishing it? It’s not horrible, but certainly not perfect?
I have a vintage sink for sale. Single bowl with drainboard .Very used, no chips.cleveland ohio.
Patricia, this needs to go over on our buy/sell Forum –> http://retrorenovation.com/forums
Hello,
My husband and I just bought out 1st home. It was built in 1918 and is considered a historic landmark.. One thing that sold us was the old style “farm house sink”.. Sadly the drainer and pipe is broken and we cannot find a replacement anywhere that fits its size. Does anyone know where I can look or if theres a place that will make a custome drainer to fit into this type of sink??? Otherwise we will have to replace it and that is the last thing I want to do!! I appreciate your help!!
try deabath.com, becca, tell ‘em i sent you… good luck.