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:
Tina says
I am Looking for double sink with drainboards on both sides.
could you contact me with what you have available and prices and pictures. Thank you
Pam Kueber says
Tina, Ken’s contact info is in the story.
CarolK says
Tina, In addition to what Pam posted, you can also find vintage-style double drainboard sinks, in either double or single sinks, at NBI.com. Sometimes there’s a link on this page.
I’ve considered one of their double drainboard single sinks -and still might get one- but I’m not sure they are quite right for my renovation and they are a bit above in price (but not horribly so) the allotment for our sink.
Kristen Sansing says
Hi, We are installing a 42″ single cast iron sink with washboard. Do you have installation requirements for the backing? Also wondering if these originally had matching legs?
Thanks
Pam Kueber says
Hi Kristen, on questions like this, consult with a pro.
Some old sinks had legs, yes.
steve conquest says
is there a stainless surround that fits an old kohler dual drainboard single bowl sink i just installed to cover the edges of sink
Pam Kueber says
See this story, plus the company can do custom: https://retrorenovation.com/2011/03/03/18-sizes-of-metal-rims-for-kitchen-and-bathroom-sinks-hudee-ring-supplier/
Shelley says
I am remodeling my kitchen and want to re-use the sink/drainboard portion of my 1950’s GE Electric Dishwasher Sink unit. I have been advised that the sink/drainboard can be separated from the dishwasher base unit.
The only problem is finding a new faucet. The original Moen Single control faucet mounts on the face of the backsplash (similar to wall mount). Originally manufactured by Ravenna Metal Products Corp, Seattle, WA. I had it repaired about 20 years ago but it is wearing out again.
I’ve searched the internet and contacted Moen – without results.
Do you know where I might find this type of faucet?
Beth says
After reading this article, I went to meet Ken and see his sinks in person since I live in MA. He has a very large collection of sinks in very good-excellent condition. In addition, he has legs, drainboards and other vintage items. He is patient and really knows his products well. We looked at several sinks and Ken explained the differences between each until I found the sink that was perfect for my project. If you are looking for a salvaged sink- call Ken!
Joann says
Hi. I am looking to buy a cast iron single sink with left drain board.
Can you help me?
Pam Kueber says
Joann, the contact info is in the story — at the end.
Also see: https://retrorenovation.com/farmhouse-drainboard-sinks/
Greg Lovell says
Hi we have just bought a fixer upper and my wife bless her Heart lo would like her Kitchen Retro
I have found her a 50s gas stove which she loves ,shes looking for a Ref I don’t mind if it doesn’t work as I would put all new mechanical parts and pieces in it
she is also in search of a sink ,can you help ?
Pam Kueber says
Hi Greg, I don’t understand your questions completely. But, for sinks, you can contact Ken as directed in this story. I also have many stories about sinks here — https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/sinks/ and here.
Regarding renovating vintage gas stoves, see this category https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/other-stuff-such-as-appliances-accessories/– and be sure to RENOVATE SAFE! https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Karen Jones says
Hi! I have a very old drain board sink. Porcelain over cast iron, I think. On the bottom it says RICHMOND. 1927. 5-19
J-881-42. It’s in good condition. I cannot find one on line,so, was hoping you could help me out with its value and if it was manufactured in 1927. I know that indoor plumbing was beginning to be a thing in the 20s and, most likely, in the wealthiest of households. Crossing my fingers you will help me and that it’s a rare piece.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Karen, I’m not an expert on this subject….
Ken says
Well Lily, you should call me to schedule a visit. All visits are by appointment as I am gone often. I have other items besides vintage kitchen stuff. However, I specialize in 1900-1960 kitchen items like stoves, refrigerators, Hoosiers, butcher blocks, porcelain tables for islands etc. and focus on sinks. You’ll be amazed at how much stuff is just down the street! Ken 978-302-4223
Lily Hope says
I am laughing my tail off right now. I saw an ad on our local Craig’s List for “Cast Iron Griddle – Iron Skillet”, and saw a slew of pictures that blew me away–one monitor top fridge in particular. I didn’t have time then to try to figure out whether there was a shop, or if this was someone doing business out of their barn or what, but I bookmarked the ad for later.
This morning, I found myself looking for 1930s references again for our bungalow, and found this page that I somehow missed back in April.
Guess where I live? Same town. The ad I saw was his.