I went to an estate sale yesterday and in the basement gasped when I confronted this steel sink base — unlike any I’ve seen before. The deco-style design in the cabinet door is actually cut right into the outer layer of steel. I’ve identified 70 brands of steel kitchen cabinets from about 1935 onward. I wonder if this is a 71st? How exciting!
This is the only marking that I could find on the cabinet — Dupont Delux finish…inside the base cabinet door. So – that is the deco flower design looking from the inside out.
Here’s the inside — notice the bare steel rods. I am not sure what the story is with these. Like, were you supposed to put a board there? I have to admit, I think I was protein starved by this point, so my head was a little spinning. You can set the inside of the deco door, too…The steel is die-cut on the outer layer, and the inside layer to cut and molded around the die cuts in order to have the light shine through. This must have been tedious work….
The sink top itself was also really cool – notice how the bowl is rounded and the sink top is molded in a round fashion, as well. I also quite like that high backsplash.
Here is the pull.
Pretty cool, huh. I think this must be old… early 40s perhaps. And oh yeah you bet there’s more to show from this house. I was really quite excited 🙂
Base and wall cabinets identified!
Update: On April 4, 2014, reader Lady Draco spotted a craigslist ad from Pleasant Valley, Maryland, that include wall and base cabinets in addition to the sink cabinet. What a great find!
Thanks to owner Wendi for permission to archive these photos here. She says the kitchen is in disarray in the photos because the house is getting ready for sale. She said that she and her mother, who owns the house, decided to sell the cabinets before listing the house — out of fear that a new owner would not recognize the cabinets’ value and simply trash them. Wendi told me that there was already a buyer lined up — and that she was going to put them in an old house she was restoring. Woot! These are rare cabinets, indeed, I think. Thanks to Lady Draco and to Wendi and her mom, and to the new buyer, for recognizing the value of preserving these beauties.
bob aemmer says
looking for a metal kitchen cabinet base 60×22 for a porclain single sink double washboard
Jodi says
I’ve just acquired the same beautiful sink and base cabinet. Trying to find manufacturer or definitive age. There’s a label “Dupont Delux” which refers to the finish. Was anybody able to establish the age or maker? What would an estimated value be? I’m stumped.
Pam Kueber says
Jodi, I am not an expert on this subject.
Anastasia says
So some very wise person ventilated the “wet” cabinet! Very cool & smart. Those are amazing, ty for sharing.
Sylvia Todd says
I lived in a WWII era apartment complex for about 5 years that had wonderful metal cabinets like this. Someone purchased the entire complex, kicked everyone out, and REMODELED to a perfectly bland and boring HUD approved monstrosity. I cried when I toured MY apartment (the first one finished) after the remodel.
Miss Wynonna says
My Great Grandparents had a sink base similar to this BUT theirs had double doors under the sink with a die cut swan in each door facing each other………It was in the house when they moved into it in 1933 but was never used by them as they set up a kitchen in the basement of the house.
Gail Shochet says
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8256540580_16a87f4b87.jpg
Sorry about the double post.
We had the base sandblasted and powdercoated by a local firm (who also did a little welding to reinforce a spot that was rusted through). The sink was refinished by a sink/tub refinisher.
Shandra says
Gail that is gorgeous!!! Love the tile pattern that frames the sink! I have a Youngstown sink that needs the same TLC – I hope to have it come out that good!
Gail Shochet says
The refurbished sink and base cabinet in its new home:
ToyRescue says
Thanks so much for posting this. I have been looking for info on this sink for MANY years .
The sink looks to be in original condition – with the original knobs – it is the original paint – a faded yellow or off white color.
I am in need of 2 extra knobs if anyone has them please contact me
Gail Shochet says
And..just a few weeks ago I was searching for more info on the twin of the sink above that I’d purchased from Rochestor ReStore way back when…
And..I found this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54447158@N07/6764116123/
This is a page from the Sears 1936 Golden Jubilee Catalog!
Now, if only I can get the sink base restored and actually in my kitchen! More on that later…
pam kueber says
WOAH: THANK YOU!!!!!!
kizilod says
The flickr link no longer works, but I think I found the same image here: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015009227433&view=image&seq=970
Destiny says
Stumbled across your site – such wonderful information! My grandparents live in their parents house built in 1933 under a homestead act from President FDR during the depression to help people survive and build houses. They have a sink just like the one you have pictured that I want to help them restore. Any advice would be appreciated. It’s rusting in some areas, mostly around the drawers. I’m going to help them, it’ll be black/white when we are done. I also think it was a Dupont – the name sounds so familiar.
pam kueber says
Destiny, what a wonderful story. This is not a DIY or fixit site. That said, I have posted a number of stories from readers who share their experiences with different approaches to repaint their vintage steel kitchen cabinets. Check the navigation to get to these stories — They are under Products / Kitchens / Steel kitchens. Also, please note the warnings in various spots on the blog about ensuring what you are working with: The paint in old houses including on these cabinets may contain lead, for example. Good luck. I’d love to see some photos of the house if you want to send them to me. email me at retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com. Good luck!