Gurley Turkey Candle Value Guide

The Gurley Turkey Candle is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana produced by the Gurley Novelty Company between 1940 and 1960. These paraffin wax figures are highly collectible due to their whimsical hand-painted details and their status as a nostalgic staple of Cold War-era Thanksgiving decor.

What Is Gurley Turkey Candle Worth?

The typical price range for Gurley Turkey Candle is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the wax, specifically looking for the absence of 'bloom' (white oxidation) or melting from improper storage.
• Presence and integrity of the original paper price tag or manufacturer label on the bottom.
• Size and complexity of the turkey design, as larger or more intricately painted models command higher prices.
• Preservation of the original wick, with unlit candles fetching the top market value of $25.

How to Identify Gurley Turkey Candle?

• Check the base for the original circular paper label featuring the Gurley Novelty Co. name and Buffalo, N.Y. origin.
• Look for the characteristic vibrant, multi-colored hand-painted feathers in shades of red, yellow, and orange.
• Verify the material is solid paraffin wax, typical of the 1930s-1960s manufacturing process.
• Examine the wick to see if it is unburnt, as many collectors value 'new old stock' condition over used examples.

History of Gurley Turkey Candle

Gurley Novelty Company, founded by brothers Robert and Henry Gurley, began producing candles in the 1930s. Their holiday-themed figural candles, particularly for Thanksgiving and Christmas, became highly popular from the 1940s through the 1960s. These candles were known for their charming, often whimsical designs and bright colors, making them a staple in many American homes for holiday decor. Despite being decorative, many were never actually lit, preserving their original condition.