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. I researched this question, and I have some recommendations:
- Porcelain-enamel-on-cast-iron or steel drainboard sinks were extremely common in vintage homes, and you can find one vintage if you are patient. Watch your Re-Store Habitat for Humanity or local salvage type place, Craigslist, ebay, facebook marketplace, etc. 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:
Mary says
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.
pam kueber says
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.
Tamara Hamilton says
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.
Tammy says
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
pam kueber says
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?
Maximillian Hull says
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
Ken Buzzell says
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!
Maureen Kelly says
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
pam kueber says
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.
Linda Gallo says
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!!!!!!
Barb Scott says
Boy, does that sink bring back memories! My grandma used to have a very similar one in her kitchen with metal cabinets!
Catz says
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.
Miss Jess says
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.
Tiffany says
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
Juju says
Way hot!