Update: Please note this story is from 2008. Lots of these sinks may be sold by now — but continue to the link at the end of the story — this salvage place has other sinks for sale.
- And for all our bathroom sink research — including the ONE place left we know of that makes colored retro bathroom sinks new today — see our Bathroom Help / Sinks and Vanities category.
- And: Here’s another good possible source for vintage sinks in colors.
Hunting for a particular sink for a particular reader I came across this photo and this story. It just blew me away, I could barely contain myself. This is from a salvage place, Recycling the Past, in New Jersey. The link is at the end of this post. Here is what their website says about this treasure trove of new-old-stock Crane sinks and toilets:
Essentially all these great plumbing fixtures date from the late 1950’s to early 1970’s and have never been installed. In fact, the first time they’ve seen the light of day was when we opened the boxes here at our shop. These factory direct condition sinks have been sitting in a warehouse for over 30 years untouched. It is our pleasure to offer our loyal customers the opportunity to own one of these great treasures. We must have really lucked out, because they are not “average” sinks, rather they are manufactured by Crane Plumbing of Chicago. Crane was started in the early part of the 20th century by entrepreneur and statesman Charles Crane. Charles was actually the ambassador to China at one point and was said to have refined his skills of making Vitreous China directly overseas. The company was founded to offer only the highest quality porcelain and cast iron plumbing fixtures available
Cut and paste this link into your browser to see the complete selection; I didn’t research the price, will someone add a comment if you really look into it? Thanks! Recycling the Past
Kathy FlorCruz says
Man o man…WHAT a find!! I am going to check out the prices for these gems, even though I’m in rental. Lot’s of rentals need a LOT of work so I just convince landlords to play up the vintage look of these older places. And I pity the fool who does NOT take that advise! I bought a vintage washer/dryer set at Habitat too, even before I have the room built to put them in. But I can’t pass up a diamond in the rough & this place is turning up plenty!
Happy Hunting!!
Deniece says
I have a Crane Yorkshire wall mounted bathroom sink which I love. Problem, I am looking for the chrome towel rack attachments for the sink. Can you help me?
Amy says
wow that’s so cool! I wish we had a place here like that 🙂
DeeJay says
I’m loving the yellow sinks. Wooo!
Eric says
I need two bright yellow 19″ drop in sinks for my folks’ 60s era bathroom. They don’t seem to have round yellow in this collection. Have you seen bright yellow anywhere else? It seems to be the hardest color to find anymore. Thanks
pam kueber says
Hi Erid, To see stories about where you might find sinks in these colors, see our Bathroom Help / Sinks & Vanities category here — https://retrorenovation.com/category/bathroom-categories/lav-sinks/
Wayne says
Hey Eric I happen to have one 19 ” yellow drop in if you’re still in search. You can reach me at wayneslay7@gmail.com
Peter says
Wow, 30 years in a warehouse untouched? Factory space must be cheap and abundant in NJ.
Monica says
Oh My NJ is close to where I live!!!! Yippie
Kitschy Kimberly says
I agree, Daniel. It’s good to know that these might end up being treasured by a retro renovator somewhere. I’m a fan of the seafoam and sky blue as well.
Daniel says
I’ve been hauling two matching seafoam and sky blue crane Toilet/Sink sets around the country for nearly 10 years, just waiting for the perfect place to install them. Seeing this photo makes me so happy. Thank heaven those porcelain treasure aren’t in a landfill somewhere.
Nick says
Wanna sell the blue set? I’m trying to match my Crane Criterion sink!