Maddie James
Gurley Novelty or simply Gurley was a candle-making company that existed throughout the second half of the 20th century. The company started in Buffalo, New York, in 1939 as part of candlemaker Franklin Gurley's W&F Manufacturing Co. Inc. The Gurley line was initially commissioned by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company (now ExxonMobil) to recycle excess paraffin from the oil refinery process. Over the years, the company has produced candles in various shapes and sizes, including small figurine-shaped candles for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Today, vintage Gurley candles are considered collectibles and can be found on websites like Etsy and eBay, as well as in antique malls and estate sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Shopping Platforms | Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, and eBay |
| Physical Stores | Antique malls, resale shops, estate sales, Macy's, Woolworth's, Ben Franklin's |
| Price Range | $8.38 to $29.99 |
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What You'll Learn
Antique malls and estate sales
Antique malls, estate sales, and resale shops are treasure troves for vintage Gurley candles. The thrill of the hunt is part of the appeal for collectors, who relish the excitement of discovering these charming candles.
Antique malls are a great option for those who prefer to shop in person. The vintage candles can be found in antique malls, with their unique glow and lightweight, larger-than-typical size. These candles, when lit, cast a 'lantern glow' that sets them apart.
Estate sales are another excellent source for vintage Gurley candles. The little decorative candles, with their seasonal and holiday themes, are often unearthed at estate sales, adding to the excitement of the find.
The majority of collectors seem to favour sourcing their vintage candles through these in-person methods, despite the challenge of varying availability based on location. The hunt for these candles at antique malls and estate sales is a rewarding experience, yielding collectible candles that are now highly sought-after.
The vintage candles produced by the Gurley Novelty Company have become desirable collectibles, with their quaint designs evoking nostalgia. The company, which began in Buffalo, New York, in 1939, created these decorative candles from excess paraffin supplied by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company (now ExxonMobil). The candles were initially sold under the name Tavern, with the brand changing to Gurley Novelty Co. in 1949. The company thrived through the 50s and 60s, with their candles sold at dime stores and larger retailers like Macy's. Despite a decline in popularity in the 70s, Gurley candles are now considered collectibles, with their value rising.
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Online: Etsy and eBay
Etsy and eBay are great options for those looking to buy Gurley candles online. Both websites offer a wide range of choices, with Etsy leaning more towards handmade and unique items, while eBay provides a platform for buying and selling new and pre-owned products.
On Etsy, you can find dedicated shops that sell candles, such as CandleHandShop, WhimsyWanderDesign, and KitschyVintage. These shops offer a variety of candles, including standard and scented options. Etsy also provides an opportunity to connect with sellers, allowing you to explore the possibility of personalized, made-to-order items. Many sellers on Etsy offer free shipping for orders over $35 USD, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.
EBay, on the other hand, presents a diverse collection of Gurley candles, with a focus on vintage and lot items. You can find various Christmas-themed candles, such as choir boys and girls, angels, Santas, and snowmen. eBay also offers Thanksgiving and Halloween-themed Gurley candles, including rare finds like the 1950s Vintage Gurley Candle featuring an Eskimo in an Igloo.
Both platforms provide a convenient way to browse and purchase Gurley candles from the comfort of your home. With a simple search, you can explore the available options, compare prices, and make informed decisions based on your preferences and needs.
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Macy's
Over time, the company evolved from creating small figurine-shaped candles to focusing primarily on novelty candles for various holidays and special occasions, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. The candles were sold individually or in sets, with smaller candles packaged in shallow cardboard boxes and larger candles in sealed paper boxes. Macy's, a large retailer, stocked these candles, contributing to their widespread distribution.
While the popularity of Gurley candles may have experienced a decline in the 1970s, they are now highly sought-after collectibles. Macy's, being a prominent retailer, played a role in making these candles accessible to a broader customer base. The candles' intricate designs and association with festive celebrations likely contributed to their popularity among those looking to create festive displays.
Today, Macy's continues to be a trusted source for Gurley candles. Customers can explore a range of options, from classic designs to new releases, catering to various holiday themes. The candles' detailed craftsmanship and festive charm make them a delightful addition to any seasonal décor or collection.
Whether you're a long-time collector or just discovering the charm of Gurley candles, Macy's is an excellent destination to find these coveted collectibles. With their accessibility and range of options, Macy's helps customers curate festive displays and build cherished collections that evoke the spirit of the holidays. So, whether you're looking for a specific candle to complete your set or starting your journey into the world of Gurley candles, Macy's is a great place to begin your search.
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Dime stores
Gurley candles, which were first produced in 1939, were sold in dime stores. These decorative candles were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and were inexpensive, with smaller candles marked at $0.10 and larger ones at $0.49. They were sold individually and as sets.
Today, Gurley candles are considered collectibles and can be found on Etsy and eBay, as well as in antique malls and estate sales. They are no longer sold in dime stores, as the brand declined in popularity in the 1970s and the company closed in 1994. However, the Vermont Country Store purchased the molds and now reproduces some of the candles.
So, while you may not be able to find Gurley candles in dime stores anymore, you can still get your fix of inexpensive goods and novelty items in these shops. Dime stores continue to offer a range of affordable products, from paperback books to mass-produced statues, and are a great place to find a bargain.
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Ben Franklin's and Woolworth's
Gurley candles were sold at Ben Franklin stores, where they could be purchased individually for as little as a dime. The Ben Franklin variety store chain was founded in 1877 and was acquired by the Woolworth Company in 1988. Woolworths, also known as F. W. Woolworth Company, was an American retail company and one of the pioneers of the five-and-dime store.
Ben Franklin stores were popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and they sold a range of products, including Gurley candles. The candles were also available at Woolworths stores during this time.
Today, vintage Gurley candles can be found at estate sales, resale shops, antique malls, thrift stores, and yard sales. They are also available on online auction sites and platforms such as Etsy and eBay.
Collectors and enthusiasts of Gurley candles often share their passion on blogs and Pinterest boards, showcasing their collections and providing insights into the history of these candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Gurley candles can be found on e-commerce websites such as eBay and Etsy.
You can find Gurley candles in antique malls, estate sales, and resale shops.
Gurley candles were primarily sold at dime stores such as Ben Franklin's and Woolworth's. They could also be found in larger stores such as Macy's.
