Made of nickel-plated brass, this faucet with porcelain handles was produced by Dearborn Brass in Cleveland about 100 years ago.

What to Look For
• Salvaged vs. restored: There are key differences in salvaged and restored plumbing hardware, notes John Vienop: “A salvaged piece may or may not be functional. You buy it as is. Using a restored faucet means you’ll end up with something that works.” Don Hooper adds, “Ensure that faucets have been cleaned, stripped, polished and replated to make them like new again. They also will need new washers and packings, and may need seats repaired or replaced.”

• Condition: Make sure the pieces are in decent shape to start with, Vienop emphasizes. If they are absolutely tattered—for instance, if the seats are worn away by water damage—they could be very difficult and expensive to restore.

• Plumbing expertise: Not every plumber knows how to work with this kind of hardware, Vienop warns: “This type of job is not for a plumber who wants to get in and out. You must find someone who’s willing to take the time and who’s comfortable with old faucets. Be upfront and honest. Don’t surprise them with 80-year-old plumbing.”

What to Avoid
• Fuller-ball faucets: According to Vienop, fuller-ball-style faucets originally were designed for gravity-fed systems in which the water came from large tanks on top of the house. “When we went to modern pressurized systems, fuller-ball faucets didn’t work as well,” Vienop says. “They are beautiful but leak-prone.”

• Code violations: Municipal codes may forbid installing vintage faucets and fixtures, states Vienop. For example, faucets typically are required to allow 2.2 gallons of water per minute maximum and to include an aerator. Vintage plumbing does not fulfill these criteria, and an inspector might not permit its installation. Check with your local permit department to determine what is required. Be aware that code exceptions often exist for historic homes. Find a reproduction if vintage hardware will not work.

• Outmoded fixtures: For tubs and sinks, try to buy a fixture with hardware included, Vienop advises. You could spend thousands of dollars refinishing a vintage tub, only to learn you cannot find an authentic faucet to match.

Where to Find Them
• Specialty shops: DEA Bathroom Machineries in Murphys, California, and Vintage Plumbing Bathroom Antiques in Northridge, California, carry inventories of restored vintage faucets and can restore them as well. In Phoenix, find antique spouts at Relics Architectural Home & Garden and at On the Veranda.

• Salvage companies: Look for vintage faucets at architectural salvage companies, such as Santa Fe Wrecking in Los Angeles and Architectural Salvage of San Diego.
 
• Internet: eBay is always an option, but be certain you are buying a faucet appropriate for your needs. Keep in mind that many reproductions incorporate “vintage” into their names.