Are you looking for a vintage kitchen drainboard sink, want to choose from a huge selection, and get one fast? Ken and his wife are here to help: Based in Gardner, Mass. (near me!), they scour New England and beyond for vintage sinks in original condition (no refinishing!) and at any given time, have 150 vintage kitchen sinks in stock.
I’ve received messages from Ken over the years. He is a reader of the newsletter and occasional commenter on the blog. But my bad, I have not pounced to find out his story. I recall that’s because his website does not tell the story, which slowed me down. It shouldn’t have! Ken does things old skool: You find him and he emails you photos. He sent me a big file showing a bunch of the current inventory – you can see them navigating his website.
The photos above: That’s Ken with a New Old Stock American Standard kitchen drainboard sink found in its original shipping crate. Generally, in our world, things don’t get much more exciting than that.
- Want to see more options for farmhouse drainboard kitchen sinks? See my research here.
Ken specializes in original-finish vintage kitchen sinks – nothing refinished
Ken and I had quite a few emails back and forth… I edited them for flow.
Sending the photos, Ken said:
Pam,
Some sinks shown have been sold, but there are dozens more here not shown on e files. Vintage kitchens is my thing. I specialize in sinks. Very good to museum quality and some NOS!
I also have stoves, refrigerators, chimney cabinets, butcher blocks, porcelain tables etc.
150 sinks here on an average at all times.
I am always hunting for nice sinks that are unique in style, size or color. I do not sell refinished sinks!
How he got started
On his website, he explains how he got started:
In 2000 my wife and I started hunting for vintage kitchen items for our own kitchen.
Our goal was to convert our home which was built in 1970, to look as if it were built/furnished in the 1930-40 era. I liked so many different stoves that we found, that I began to collect them for my own enjoyment. Then I set up a display and began adding vintage kitchen sinks, refrigerators and Hoosiers.
After a while I decided to turn it into a paying hobby so that I could sell some items that others may be searching for and buy other items for my collection that I did not already have. We love all of the old appliances and furnishings.
I am always excited to find another nice sink or appliance that is of a different style or special color. Yes, special color.
Not only do we have sinks for example that are white, but we have yellow, mint/ming green, pink, brown, peach and even orchid! The early stoves were available in many of these special colors as well. We hope that we can help you put together your own vintage kitchen that you can enjoy as much as we enjoy ours.
On his website, Ken says he does no deal in refinished sinks — he only collects and sells sinks in their original condition finish:
Refinished sinks: The porcelain found on these cast iron sinks is a form of ceramic, furnace fired, glass finish. Real porcelain is extremely hard and durable. Refinished sinks are typically not done in new porcelain. They are painted! It may be called epoxy, powder coated or reglazed, but it is still paint. It will not endure many years of serious kitchen use as the ceramic porcelain does. So our sinks are original porcelain finish, yes, even the colored ones.
I have heard this too — that is, reglazing a kitchen sink may not be satisfying longterm due to the daily abuse; do your own research, dear readers.
Be aware: Old sinks, tubs, ceramic tile etc. may contain lead
Precautionary Pam reminds: Be aware, dear readers, that old sinks, tubs, ceramic tile, etc. may contain lead and pose potential hazards. See my story here. Get with your own professional to assess what you are working with — Be Safe / Renovate Safe.
Ken’s website
Back to Ken and how to work with him:
Pam, I have a web site that I am unable to keep up photos on, GrampasAntiqueKitchen.com. When people inquire about a sink, I ask them to be specific as they can as to size, style, color etc.
I then forward the appropriate albums dedicated to their needs.
As your friend found me, I also place ads throughout the country on various Craigslist. I have been in magazines etc. I also try to give helpful advice on sink care etc. on different site which people than can then see my name.
Contact Ken for what’s available and pricing
I gulp and ask: “How much do these sinks cost?” Ken responds:
There is not basic price. Certainly not a bargain basement here.
I have exceptionally nice sinks (and my standards are higher than most of my customers).
I spend a large portion of my daily life hunting down nice sinks every where in the country. I have made long distance trips to buy multiple sinks at one time on occasion.
I recently I drove roughly 2,000 miles to buy three sinks. The first was in Lancaster, PA… then Ohio on the West Virginia border along the Ohio river. The last stop was a very almost cute 20″ Butlers sink in New York.
Several years ago I made my longest buying trip, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — 3,600 miles round trip to buy a rare six- burner electric stove from the 1930s era. That was roughly eight years ago. That one is still waiting for restoration.
I drove to Chicago about 10 years ago to pick up a 60″ farm sink and a 6 burner gas Magic Chef 6300 model stove. I had purchased both on eBay from different sellers. While picking up the stove I also bought the sink from the same house that I did not previously know about until I arrived there. Note: That stove and sink came out of a $4.5 million dollar fixer upper! Yes, $4.5 million, and when I got there the house was gutted for remodeling.
At that point I had more cargo than would fit in my truck bed so I went and rented a U-Haul trailer to bring things back to Massachusetts! I just recently sold that sink to a couple from Connecticut. They liked the sink so much that they have invited me to their wedding this year!
Ken is going to receive a Retro Renovation “The Hard Way” Lifetime Achievement Award this year! Them’s a lotta miles. And: Getting invited to customers’ weddings? I love it!!
Ken paid $2,000 for the sink in his kitchen
Ken continues, describing his travels and travails:
The sinks most sellers call very nice, exceptional, mint etc. I go to see and they are far less than described.
Sellers’ eyes do not seem to be as keen as a buyers’ eyes! I.e worn-out or worn-off porcelain, large chips, three-foot=long gouges in the porcelain from being dragged across the floor on nail heads or across the driveway! etc.
This is often done after pictures are sent and by careless workers or people too lazy to actually carry the sink out.
Condition, rarity of configuration or color or original attachments like legs, pull out compost or potato canisters, some even had electric dish washers and clothes washers built in!!
Some are only good enough (in my opinion) for garden potting sheds or summer kitchen etc. These may be $100 or so.
Some are priced in thousands.
The sink in my own kitchen I paid near $2000 for and bought it in St. Louis!
Of course ya did: All the Best Stuff’s In St. Louis!
Yes Pam,
That is my current kitchen sink. It is quite rare and the only one of seen in any color at all including white. Another rarity of it is that is was made by the Standard Co. which typically made a more basic sink. I don’t see much for Standard Co. art deco designs.
I love what I do and happy to see these vintage items being reused. I like getting pictures of the things I sell installed in their new homes.
Check the site called Houzz.com. I have a page on that site Grampas Antique Kitchen, you can see several reviews from customers there from all over the USA.
Best wishes,
Ken
Thank you, Ken — what a fascinating fascination you have with all these fantastic old sinks! It is so nice to see them saved, treasured, and put to renewed use for — what? — like FOREVER if folks take care of them!
Now that the snow is finally melted here in the Northeast, I for sure need to get out to Gardner to see some of these goods! And you know me: I will probably come home with one! xoxo Pam
How to contact Ken:
Ken says: We can be reached by phone at 978-302-4223 or via email at luckybuzz3@hotmail.com
More research:
Toni says
I couldn’t view your inventory link from the web site without signing up for a One Drive account 🙁
Pam Kueber says
You need to email Ken as instructed.
ken says
just email me or call as Pam has provided both in the article. Keep in mind that I get a lot of email, too much to go back and forth over the many details involved in used vintage kitchen items. Seriously interested parties should have measurements they require (large is not a measurement) Configuration, color, application i.e. potting shed or nice kitchen, how far off the floor is the window behind the item you want etc.
CarolK says
I was watching DIY yesterday starting with Salvage Dawgs, then Restored, and ending with a couple of episodes of Stone House Revival (?).. In the second episode of the Stone House show, he was working on the kitchen and he installed a beautiful drainboard sink.
We all know how the HGTV shows drive us batty what with their sledgehammering* everything. Not so these shows. They try to restore what they can. Brett on Restored found the original linoleum in a 100 year old house he was restoring and successfully convinced the homeowner to let him bring it back to its former glory. He also takes their vintage ranges to Antique Stove Heaven for restoration. There was one linoleum floor he could not save so he installed a new linoleum floor in that kitchen.
The announcer on Salvage Dawgs does need to get my granddaughter to teach him how to say Dawgs properly.
*and don’t get me started on how J. Scott always has the couple take the old toilet out without first clearing it of water. It’s so easy to do.
Mary Holtorf says
Can we come and look? When? Live 20 mins away from Gardner.
Ken says
Absolutely, anyone is welcomed to come see my collection. I do not care if people come and don’t buy anything, they are still welcomed to visit.
Keep in mind that all visits are by appointment via a phone call. I am often not available so appointments are a must even if on the spur of the moment.
Also note that if I had not gone into the article and saw the comments or your question I would not be aware that you would like to come. This is not a way to contact me. See my email address and phone number elsewhere in the article.
Ken says
I am closed for the entire month of June.
CarolK says
Some of those sinks LOOK like they might be perfect for my kitchen reno. I want a large single sink but it needs to be the right length overall and not have a super tall backsplash because it will go at the kitchen window. They’re probably more expensive than I’d like though. I also need to put my dishwasher next to the sink so these lovely apron-front sinks would be a no-go. RATS!
Ken says
Not all very nice sinks are overly expensive. I have exceptionally nice sinks for $700. Size, style, configuration, rarity and popularity/demand all dictate pricing. So yes, that 60″ orchid sink was very expensive, but it was exceptional, it was made in 1928 and its the only one I’ve had in 18 years.
Also not all early sinks have the wrap around apron. You can have an early sink with 8 or 12 back splash an not have the apron. In your case you may want only a 4 -5 inch back splash and no apron. That would be a Midcentury Modern (late 30’s-70’s) Remember like everything else in life, you don’t now until you ask and asking is free!
Allison says
How wonderful! Not only a great resource for retro-renovators, but its always a kick to read about someone with a real passion for what they do.
And as far as prices? Multiple thousands is right in the ball park for an upscale sink these days. It may not be in my budget, but its certainly not outrageous in any way.
Lisa Compo says
You had me at the yellow one…sigh. Ahhh
Seems every time I think I am being foolish for wanting all the retro kitchen goodies a good story comes along that makes me feel part of the cool crowd again. 🙂
I like his respect for the pieces he resells and collects. I am sure his customers are delighted for years and years and never regret having the authentic thing, not a refinished or today’s model.
Way to go Ken for your hobby and business and for keeping these beauties in circulation not landfills.
Ken says
I too love the soft butter yellow and mint green sinks. They can either be the focal point in any kitchen or be the perfect match for a yellow or green vintage stove like the Chambers or Magic Chef 1000 etc. I currently have six yellow ones, that’s not too many is it?
Pencils says
OOh, don’t get me too excited. My kitchen is old and I can’t afford to get it redone just get, but when I do I would *love* a yellow sink (I have an original yellow bathroom set.) My sister has a lovely white drainboard sink with legs in her 30s cottage–when she was renovating the kitchen after buying her house, the contractor off-handedly “offered” to take the big heavy sink away so she wouldn’t have to pay to dispose of it. Sneaky man, he knew he could resell it for a nice amount. My sister though loves that sink and was not letting it out of her sight. I just saw a nice double drainboard sink on Long Island Craigslist and I’m tempted, but I don’t know how much space I’ll eventually going to have.
Ken says
I actually have at least eight I can remember light yellow sinks here. A 42″ double basin apron model, three 51-52″ double basin apron models two have matching legs, a 51″ counter mount, a 75″ double drain board apron model with matching legs, a 60″ art deco double drain board apron model, a 72″ double basin Crane Midcentury, a 54″ double drain board Crane Midcentury and five or so Green ones!
Wendellyn says
Years ago, when I was in my 20’s I found and bought a brand new Mountaineer’s Spice Cabinet , the large one. My daughter now 39 has the cabinet. Her sister-in-law tried to talk her out of it. My daughter told her straight up that I would disown her, in a heart beat! LOL That Spice cabinet has moved with me so many times and it is or was in brand new condition, when I gave it to my daughter. The spice bottles were still in tact and I used the cabinet everyday. A few years ago, they were selling these Cabinets on ebay for over $100.00. I have not checked the current prices, but to be honest, I wish I had mine back! LOL sigh!!
Pat in PA says
I was shocked that these cabinets were worth anything–I have one hanging in my kitchen that was given as a wedding gift 36 years ago. I use it faithfully!
Ken says
It’s my understanding that these cabinets are from the 70’s, but they look older due to the graphics and colors. I got mine at a yard sale on Long Island NY, many years ago while on a trip. You never know what you may find when traveling so keep your eyes open!
Robin, WA says
Oh goodness! This is fantastic. I wonder if Ken has ever come across my personal holy grail – American Standard in Gourmet Melon from 1965.
Ken says
Not yet! I id have a 1930-40 era Kohler that was a melon color with matching legs though. Kohler called it some sort of sand, I forget, but it looked very melon like to me.
Grampa says
That Kohler Melon color sink actually went to west coast to a designer. I believe to the Seattle or Portland area. It was purchased via a broker from Chicago so I am not privy to the exact location. It came out of a Sea Captains home on the Maine coast. I love these old sinks.
I have an early 60″ Farmhouse style and another 72″ Midcentury style ”Pink” sinks coming in this week from the mid west. I can hardly wait to see them!
Carolyn says
Oh, my, my! The fancy green one with the advertisement! I make out “The Ferro Enamel”?
It’s funny these sinks are referred to as farmhouse considering most are probably coming from town – this is what was available at a certain time in our history, when the country was 75% rural/farm.
I don’t find his prices outrageous after seeing many photos and in the flesh. How many remodelers see stuff like this as “old Junk” not realizing they have a little gold mine. IF you could find someone to re-porcelain, think of the added cost from buying a sub-par sink. You’d know exactly what you’re getting with Ken.
This hobby also includes working vacations – would Ken have gone to any of these areas if not for his collecting?
OK, what’s the one one with the wood cover?
Robin, WA says
Yes! What is the fancy one in the ad? Too cool.
Ken says
The double basin sink with removable wood cutting board I think you’re wondering about? White with red trim and close to new condition. I actually do not know what era it is really from. If anyone really knows, I’d like to know. I bought it as I do many things, just because I found it interesting. My guess is that is was a later Midcentury design, maybe 1960 -70’s? I have 1930-40 porcelain table leaf that is white with red trim I put with it. I think mounting the matching leaf as a shelf above the sink will look good an make it look more early vintage.
Jay says
Wow! What a story and to think right in your neck of the woods. The gentleman rearranges his kitchen fixtures like someone rearranges his furniture. (I noticed the fridge and the Hoosier switched positions. I love his love of the very vintage kitchen items from 20s-40s. The old cast porcelain sinks were built to last multiple lifetimes.
Thanks for sharing his story.
Ken says
Rearranging the vintage kitchen is not as labor intensive as it seems. I planned a head for this moving around for décor and cleaning purposes The baker’s cabinets(Hoosier and Sellers), the porcelain table top and Butcher’s Block that make up the island plus the now 1936 Kalvinator frig are all mounted on wheels! Not the sink and not the stove for safety reasons. This makes moving them simple. I just built platforms to match each unit with small, but solid casters. While once you decide on permanent locations you may not need this set up, deciding how to find those locations is made easy with this mobility.
Jay says
How ingenious! and fascinating.