Gurley Snowman Candle Value Guide

The Gurley Snowman Candle is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana, produced by the Buffalo-based Gurley Candle Company between 1950 and 1969. These paraffin wax figures are highly collectible because they utilized specialized chocolate-molding techniques to create charming, detailed holiday characters.

What Is Gurley Snowman Candle Worth?

The typical price range for Gurley Snowman Candle is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paint, specifically the red on the stovepipe hat which is prone to flaking or scuffing over time.
• Presence and integrity of the original paper base label, which significantly increases the market value to the $35 range.
• The state of the cotton wick; candles that have never been lit command a premium over used examples.
• Overall wax preservation, including the absence of melting, warping, or heavy dust staining from decades of storage.

How to Identify Gurley Snowman Candle?

• Look for the original paper label on the bottom, which typically features the Gurley Candle Company name and Buffalo, N.Y. address.
• Identify the specific design featuring a snowman wearing an oversized red stovepipe hat and hand-painted facial details.
• Check for a cotton wick that is unburned, as 'New Old Stock' examples are the most desirable for authentic displays.
• Examine the texture of the paraffin wax, which should have a characteristic matte finish typical of 1950s production.

History of Gurley Snowman Candle

The Gurley Candle Company, based in Buffalo, New York, became a staple of mid-century American holidays. Founded in 1939 as a spin-off of the Franklin Gurley chocolate company, they utilized the same molding techniques for wax as they did for candy. These candles were primarily sold in variety stores like Woolworth’s and are now highly sought after by collectors for their nostalgic aesthetic.