Who manufactured Robert’s drainboard sink? 10 years of blogging, and I am stymied. I’ve never seen holes in the backsplash of a drainboard sink — holes presumably used for anchors for inserts and a … logo? Can anyone figure this out?
Robert writes:
Hi Pam, do you know the maker of my drainboard sink? I just had it re-porcelained in sky blue to match my Chambers stove, but there are two decorative panels on the backsplash that are missing and I’d like to find a picture of what they might have looked like so I can fabricate something to take their place. There’s also a hole for what I am guessing was the original badge/emblem, but it’s missing too. Any guesses? Thanks.
I asked a few more questions. Where did you get the sink? And, is it possible that someone drilled into the backplash at some point to cover it with another material?
Robert replied:
The holes look too uniform. I’m a pretty fair fabricator, and they look stamped in, and not drilled, so I’m thinking they are original. But I might be wrong.
Hmmm. I looked in my archives and online for a while to try and find the answer. Youngstown made sinks with molded recesses on the backsplash like the ones seen in your sink. But, I can find, and can’t recall ever seeing one, or any other brand, with decorative inserts.
Reader: Any ideas?
MarkinDC says
REALLY distinctive color. The new NBI drainboard sinks really resemble this I noticed. https://nbidrainboardsinks.com/product/sbw4224/
Allison says
He had the sink re-porcelained to match his Chambers stove.
This is my choice as well to get the aqua sink I’ve been craving, having a regular white porcelain on steel sink redone.
Mark says
I’m wondering if at one time it was part of something like this…
http://ticketfun.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/commercial-sink-dishwasher-combo-sink-its-located-in-fort-smith-arkansas-and-the-owner-would-like-to-find-a-new-home-for-it-because-she-is-redoing-her-kitchen-geza-sink-dishwasher-combo-kitchenaid-si-740×555.jpg
AnnF says
You know, now that I followed that link, and also looked again at this sink, I think they are just decorative.
Wendy in St. Louis says
That’s what I was going to post. The oblong recesses appear to be just a decorative element. Gorgeous sink!
AnnF says
This sink looks exactly like one my grandmother had, but I can’t remember if anything was in those recesses (they are recesses, not holes, right?). I remember an enameled plate on the base of the faucet, and in the front of the base right under the sink, but not on the sink itself. Maybe they were made for some wire shelf (like old soap dishes on clawfoot bathtubs, which they still sell). I am guessing that the indents would be needed to let the shelf hang straight and have the bottom parallel to the drainboard.
CarolK says
Those are holes, not recesses. There are some recessed places on the backsplash. When you had a four hole sink and didn’t have a sprayer, there would be a chrome “button” filling the hole.
Brenny says
Reminds me of this vintage sink:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjXhrC7rfvWAhXIyyYKHb7GA9kQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgroliehome.com%2Fmarvelous-kitchen-decoration-design-ideas-using-kitchen-drainboard-farm-sinks%2Fstunning-kitchen-decoration-ideas-using-vintage-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink-faucets-and-white-ceramic-kitchen-drainboard-farm-sinks%2F&psig=AOvVaw3pdXAGBCPMrbDIOA-zhf7R&ust=1508456699376671
CarolK says
Exactly, Brenny! That’s what I was thinking of. My parents didn’t have a drainboard sink, but they had a sprayer back in 1960. They weren’t exactly unknown then.
CarolK says
I’d think the holes were for the faucet, the faucet handles and a sprayer. Even back in 1960, some sinks had sprayers and some faucets were probably widespread not centerspread.
Mark says
Robert is asking about the small holes in the backsplash, not the large cut-outs for the faucet, knobs & sprayer,
CarolK says
I could barely see those holes. Maybe they were there to fasten the sink to the wall.
Karin says
Great color. I’ll bet the Chambers is a beauty. You probably already looked, but have you checked the underside or bottom edges for a stamp or lettering? One thing I learned from watching Antiques Roadshow is that stamps or logos are often worn down. Perhaps the holes were meant for a Dishmaster or one of its relatives.
kddomingue says
Looks like chrome strips originally went in the two recessed areas, that’s all I can see in my mind’s eye.
Lynne says
Reminds me of the old ” Shirley ” unit I had some years ago.
Bobbie says
I don’t know who made it, but it sure is pretty. My gut reaction when I saw the holes were that maybe it had a logo and a trim piece (maybe a chrome strip) running along the back splash, or they could be used to mount small shelves/holders for a sponge or something. Love the blue!