When I was at a craft show this weekend, I unexpectedly ran across a crafter that had a few vintage items sitting out. I wasn't expecting ANYONE to have vintage items. At all. I was just attending the craft show to support the local community and to get out of the house on a dreary Saturday morning.
Just the other day, Erica at The Adventures Of Two (Pyrex Crazy) Thrifting Sisters posted about finding vintage Gurley candles at an estate sale, so it was like a light shining down from heaven when I saw this guy sitting on the table.
Surrounded by his buddies.
Gurley was a candle manufacturer that made highly collectible figural holiday candles from the very late 1930's through the 1970's.
I picked up one of the candles and saw that it had a paper label on the bottom that said Tavern something or other on it. I was only mildly disappointed that it did not say Gurley, because I still loved the vintage looking little guy. Little did I know at that point that Gurley produced the Tavern brand candles. Hello, Tavern = Gurley!!!
In the most casual tone I could muster while my brain was doing cartwheels in my head, I asked him how much the candles were. I thought I only would buy the turkey, since it's close to Thanksgiving and I need another turkey like I need a hole in my head.
Mr. Crafter started shuffling around and him-hawing and I thought "Oh, crud, this isn't going to turn out well!" He finally said he'd really like to sell them all together, so if I would take all the ones on the table and the ones he had in the box over there I could have them for $8.00. Box, what box? OMG, there's a box!
Uh sure, that sounds reasonable to me. So I quickly handed him $8.00 and ran out of the craft show.
It was only after I got home, that I actually looked at all the candles. There are 7 that say Gurley (Mr. Turkey happens to be a Gurley), 6 that say Tavern and three that don't have any tags on them, but look very Gurley/Tavern-esque. BTW, the box is not the candle box, but an old peanut box, so I sort of got overly excited about nothing there.
But still, a much more fun day at the craft show than I expected.
Van
I LOVE the gorgeous holiday candles, so expressive. Now I know what they're called too, I never knew.
Diane
I'll have to keep a lookout for those candles, they are adorable! How lucky for you to find them at such a great price.
Ellie VanCaster
I never knew those candles were something collected but gosh I sure remember seeing so many of them out and about for holidays.
Cool find!
Ellie
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Lucky you! I can almost see you racing out with your cute little "finds"...been there 🙂
[email protected] The Vintage Nest
You lucky dawg....what a find and buy! I remember a couple of years ago, that the gurly candles were really sought after and prices were high. Haven't seen many out in the antique stores lately. Love yours!! Happy Wednesday.
Vicki
I often wonder how these vintage candles have survived for so long and not melted. I laughed over the box. I would have been the same way...just as excited over the box as the candles. Still a cool old box!
TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic
A girl can learn so much sitting on her butt reading blogs when she should be working on her list of chores!! 🙂 So much to know about these cuties! Congrats on your great find... that chubby little snowman is my fav'. 🙂
Decora Adora
Lovin' your Gurley candles. . Amazing how painted/dyed wax candles have kept their colors for so many decades!
I love your blog you have a New follówer from chile
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
OH I love these...and that photo of all the candles with the picnic basket is absolutely awesome!
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Wow, what a deal! I haven't heard of these candles before, but now I'll have to keep an eye out for them! So adorable... I love them all!
Thanks for linking up with us 🙂
JoKnows
What a great shopping tale! I love the candles. So sweet! Congrats on the happy find. Now following you on GFC. Joann
Robin
LOL! you always have the best shopping stories! Love your BOX of finds - lucky girl. The turkey is so sweet as is the snowman.
Paulette
These candles brought back memories of days gone by. I never knew who made them or how collectable they were, thanks for information. They are cute.
Robin
Me again, Sorry. I forgot to mention how much I love your new blog banner!! It's so sleek and vintage looking at the same time. Did you design it yourself?
Object of Maya*ffection
LOL! This post was funny! Love the narration! I got a Gurley turkey last year at the thrift and left it in the car too long and it melted...It still has its shape BUT doesnt stand!I still Love it anyway!