Tyler Brooks
The history of Gurley candles dates back to the 1930s when they were first created by Franklin Gurley in Buffalo, New York. The company, originally named W&F Manufacturing Company, was commissioned by Socony-Vacuum Oil Company (now ExxonMobil) to recycle excess paraffin from their oil refinery process. These decorative candles were initially sold under the name Tavern and included small figurine-shaped candles as well as wax lips and teeth. In 1949, Franklin Gurley bought the Tavern brand and renamed the company Gurley Novelty Co., focusing on wax figures centered around seasonal and holiday themes. The candles gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and were sold at dime stores and larger retailers. Despite their decline in the late 1970s, Gurley candles have become sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts hunting for them at estate sales, resale shops, and online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Today, they are prized for their vintage charm and unique designs, making them a beloved addition to holiday displays and collections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production years | 1939-1994 |
| Company name | W&F Manufacturing Company, later renamed Gurley Novelty Co. |
| Company location | Buffalo, New York |
| Candle type | Small, figurine-shaped |
| Candle themes | Holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween |
| Candle price | Smaller candles: $0.10; Larger candles: $0.49 or $0.99 |
| Sales locations | Dime stores, Macy's |
| Collectible status | Yes |
| Cleaning method | Buffing with a piece of pantyhose or Q-tip dipped in soapy water |
| Storage instructions | Avoid excessive heat, direct sunlight, or hot cars |
| Rarest type | Gurley Glow Candles |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify a vintage Gurley candle
Gurley Novelty or Gurley candles were small, decorative candles in the shape of figurines. They were created by candlemaker Franklin Gurley in Buffalo, New York, in 1939. The first Gurley candles were commissioned by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company (now ExxonMobil) to recycle the excess paraffin from their oil refinery process.
To identify a vintage Gurley candle, look out for the following:
- A round, paper label on the bottom bearing the brand name, company name, burning instructions, and sometimes the original price and copyright date. Tavern candles also had paper labels, but they typically didn't include a price or copyright date. Some vintage candles may be missing their labels, so it's helpful to familiarise yourself with the company's products.
- The size of the candle. Smaller candles were sold individually in shallow cardboard boxes, while sets and larger candles came in sealed paper boxes.
- The price. The 3+1⁄2-inch figures were sold for decades for $0.10 each, in packs of two for $0.29, and threes for $0.49. Individual larger sizes rarely exceeded $0.99.
- The place of purchase. Tavern and Gurley candles were primarily sold at dime stores such as Ben Franklin's and Woolworth's, though they could also be found at larger stores like Macy's.
- The date of purchase. Sales of the candles peaked in the late 1960s and began to decline in the late 1970s.
Today, vintage Gurley candles are popular collectibles and can be found at antique malls, estate sales, resale shops, and online at Etsy and eBay.
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Where to buy vintage Gurley candles
Vintage Gurley candles are highly sought-after items for collectors. The candles, which were first produced in 1939, were small, figurine-shaped, and centred around seasonal and holiday themes.
If you're looking to get your hands on some vintage Gurley candles, there are several places you can try. Many collectors have reported finding their candles at yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, resale shops, and antique malls. It seems that hunting for these candles in-person at local shops can be a rewarding experience, although it may be challenging depending on your location.
Online platforms, such as Etsy and eBay, are also excellent sources for vintage Gurley candles. These websites offer a wide variety of options from different sellers, making it convenient to browse and purchase these collectibles from the comfort of your home.
In addition, it's worth noting that the Vermont Country Store has purchased the rights to reproduce Gurley Candle molds. So, while these may not be the vintage candles you're seeking, they are recreations of the original designs and can be a great alternative if you're unable to find the older versions.
When shopping for vintage Gurley candles, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, ensure that the candles haven't been lit or started to melt, as this can affect their structure and integrity. Additionally, be cautious of candles that have been stored in hot environments, as the heat can cause them to melt and deform. Lastly, pay attention to the labels on the candles, as most Gurley candles have a cardboard or paper label attached to the bottom with the name "Gurley" and a price marked. These labels can help you identify authentic vintage Gurley candles.
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How to display vintage Gurley candles
Vintage Gurley candles are a charming collectible, and displaying them is a fun way to showcase their unique history. Here are some ideas on how to display vintage Gurley candles:
Choose a Display Area
Vintage Gurley candles can be displayed in various places around your home. Common areas include shelves, mantels, and tables. These surfaces provide a great backdrop for showcasing the candles and creating festive displays.
Grouping and Arrangements
For a visually appealing display, consider arranging the candles in groups. You can create a charming tableau by placing them together on a shelf or table. For variety, mix and match different sizes and shapes of candles. If you have a large collection, you can display them in clusters or create a captivating candle village under a cloche, as suggested by Little Vintage Cottage.
Seasonal Displays
Vintage Gurley candles are often associated with holidays, especially Christmas. You can create festive displays by grouping candles with similar themes, such as Santa Claus, reindeer, or Halloween figures. Their colourful and festive designs will add a whimsical touch to your holiday decorations.
Proper Storage
While displaying your vintage Gurley candles, it's important to ensure their longevity by practising proper storage techniques. Avoid storing them in hot attics, garages, or storage units, as excessive heat will cause the candles to melt and become disfigured. Instead, store your candles in a temperature-controlled environment to preserve their condition and ensure they last for multiple seasons.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your vintage Gurley candles looking their best, occasional cleaning may be necessary. Use a gentle approach by wrapping a piece of pantyhose around your finger, dipping it in hot water, and lightly rubbing away any dust or grime. For small crevices, a Q-tip dipped in soapy water can be useful. Always be cautious not to rub too hard, as vigorous cleaning can cause the colour to come off the wax.
By following these tips, you can creatively display your vintage Gurley candles while also preserving their charm and condition for years to come.
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How to clean vintage Gurley candles
Vintage Gurley candles are highly sought-after collectibles, especially those from Halloween and Christmas. These candles were produced by Gurley Novelty in Buffalo, New York, and were first created in 1939 as a way to recycle excess paraffin from the oil refinery process.
Over time, these candles have accumulated dirt and grime, and require careful cleaning to preserve their delicate wax structure and original colour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean vintage Gurley candles:
Materials Needed:
- Hot water
- Cotton swabs or Q-tips
- Old pantyhose
Steps to Clean:
- Start by wrapping a piece of pantyhose around your finger.
- Dip this wrapped finger into the hot water.
- Gently rub the candle's surface in a circular motion, focusing on areas with grime or dust. Be careful not to rub too hard to avoid removing the colour from the wax.
- For small crevices and intricate details, dip a Q-tip into soapy water and carefully clean those areas.
- Ensure the candle is thoroughly dried after cleaning.
Storage Tips:
- Avoid storing vintage Gurley candles in areas with excessive heat, such as attics, garages, or storage units, as they can melt.
- Display them indoors, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their shape and colour.
By following these steps, you can safely clean and maintain your vintage Gurley candles, ensuring their longevity and preserving their collectible value.
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How to spot a reproduction Gurley candle
When it comes to spotting a reproduction Gurley candle, there are several key things to look out for. Firstly, most authentic vintage Gurley candles will have a cardboard or paper label attached to the bottom with the name "Gurley" and often a price marked, usually ranging from $0.10 to $0.99. The presence or absence of this label can be a key indicator of a candle's authenticity.
Secondly, the condition of the candle can be a telling factor. Given that these candles are vintage, signs of use or age, such as fading, melting, or leaning, can indicate that a candle is an original. Reproduction candles are more likely to be in pristine condition. However, it is worth noting that some collectors clean their vintage candles, so the absence of signs of use does not necessarily indicate a reproduction.
Thirdly, the size and design of the candle can provide clues. Gurley candles were typically small, with larger candles being less common and therefore more valuable. Knowing the typical sizes and designs of Gurley candles can help identify a reproduction, as reproductions may not match the original sizes and designs.
Additionally, the place of purchase can be a factor. While vintage candles can be found at yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, resale shops, antique malls, and online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, the Vermont Country Store is known for reproducing Gurley candles, so candles purchased from this source are likely to be reproductions.
Finally, the packaging can be a key differentiator. While it is unusual to find original packaging for vintage candles, the presence of original Gurley packaging, such as shallow cardboard boxes for smaller candles or sealed paper boxes for larger candles and sets, can be a strong indicator of authenticity.
In summary, by examining the label, condition, size, design, place of purchase, and packaging of a Gurley candle, one can make an informed judgement about its authenticity and spot a reproduction.
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Frequently asked questions
Most vintage Gurley candles have a cardboard label attached to the bottom with the name "Gurley" and a price marked. They were sold in shallow cardboard boxes or sealed paper boxes, depending on their size.
You can display your Gurley candles in a variety of ways, from popping them onto a shelf to stuffing them into a cabinet. Just remember not to store them in areas with excessive heat, such as attics, garages, or storage units, as they can melt.
While you may not be able to pinpoint the exact year, you can narrow it down to a date range. The earliest Gurley candles were created in 1939, and the company closed in 1994.
You can find vintage Gurley candles at yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, resale shops, antique malls, or online at Etsy and eBay.
To clean your Gurley candle, wrap a piece of pantyhose around your finger and gently buff it in a circular motion. Be careful not to rub too hard, as the colour may come off. For small crevices, use a Q-tip dipped in soapy water.
