Which color pulls did you want to use? I think the ones you've selected would look nice in an oil-rubbed bronze finish, but I'm not sure I like the other options. And I misunderstood the question about the backsplash. I now realize you want to run it ONLY behind the sink, not for the full length of the counter run. I think you should do a mockup of the look to see if it suits you. Most of the pics I find with an extra-tall bs behind the sink have the short 3-4" bs behind the rest of the counter. Why don't you mock it up with cardboard? If you get some corrugated cardboard, and maybe spray paint it black or charcoal, you can tack it up to the wall and see if you like it behind the sink alone, or want to blow the 450 and get the short bs piece too. Keep in mind that if you choose the sink-only option you can probably also change your mind later and get short bs pieces of the same type of soapstone, if you have a stone yard nearby that offers precut but not installed soapstone. They only put those backsplash pieces in with silicone caulk, so if you have the option of buying a precut piece, you can install it yourself. So whatever your choice, it's not necessarily unchangeable.

Go for it! I have used vintage enamel sinks in the past and will be using one again in my own upcoming remodel. You do need to ensure that the drain size is appropriate for whatever you want to do with it (can it accommodate a modern disposal? Some old ones can, some are 1/2" too small). Have them shoot you a close-up with a ruler. I *think* the exact size is 3.4" - 4" for a disposal, but do google to double-check. In terms of a faucet, they still make nice adjustable-width laundry sink faucets precisely for these sinks (Chicago Faucets is a great source for solid ones that look just like their predecessors), so you can accept a fairly broad range of backsplash holes from 6" to 10". The gloss level is also a good question for follow-up. Get more photos from different angles with light or a flash on it. Dull isn't bad, per se, but it's true that the duller it is the more easily it will stain in the future. Not that you can't keep re-scrubbing it, but it's a factor. One thing is certainly true: there are more of these sinks out there, even this exact model, if you pass this one up. I've seen yours go by a number of times in various venues, like eBay. Have you checked out This Old Tub and Sink? They are awesome and Kevin will take excellent care of you. Slightly pricey but he vets his sinks and tubs very well. I just bought a single deep basin drop-in from him and am very pleased with it. Link to the site below. If you're looking for a single bowl vintage farm sink, there's this popular laundry sink model from the 20s that shows up regularly: link to current eBay auction, $200 Enjoy! Vintage items aren't perfect, but then again after a bit of use most modern ones aren't, either. And the aesthetics just cannot be beat. Take it from a dedicated user of a 1949 stove. :) Here is a link that might be useful: This Old Tub & Sink, Boston

I think it will look terrible and you must sell me those sinks immediately! Seriously, I have a craftsman-style bungalow and am about to put in copper kitchen counters; already have copper cupboard knobs and the look really works well, especially with deep yellows and Morris greens. I have the original fir trim, so the orange tones are perfect -- this might work a bit differently for you with painted/white trim. Yes, I'd sink the bowls in a bit, more so they don't scream "2007 Vessel" than "I'm Copper", but sitting on top really wouldn't be offensive - that's more an issue of usability and how you think they'd work functionally. Fixtures: my kitchen faucets will most likely be copper, but I'd suggest polished nickel over the satin you're considering. In my experience modern brushed/satin fixtures bring out the gray in nickel but polished finish leaves the warm golden undertone, which would work better with copper. (Plus the polished nickel is vastly more historical, if authenticity is a plus.) Sounds gorgeous! Have you consulted Jane Powell's books?

If it's soapstone... (It sure looks like it could be a concrete sink. Thinking it's concrete because it looks like the sink is painted.) Are you trying to enlarge the existing holes? Enough room to position a drill? Enough room for the flange of the new fittings? If you thinking of enlarging the existing holes....The hole saw bits that I'm familiar with have a center drill guide bit...so you would need to epoxy some kind of plug in the existing hole in order to enlarge an existing hole. But it doesn't look like there is enough room for a larger flange to seat on the bottom of the sink because the sink divider is in the way. I've never worked soapstone but do know that some stones are harder than others but that it's all supposed to be workable with woodworking tools...so sandpaper would do it but you might want to start with something more aggressive...files, maybe?