A Pair of Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” Fetches a Record $28m at Auction
In a recent auction that has set the world of movie memorabilia abuzz, a pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” were sold for a staggering $28 million. This sale has made them the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record held by James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, which fetched $6.385 million.
The slippers, one of four surviving pairs used in the film, were once stolen from a Minnesota museum in 2005 by professional thief Terry Jon Martin, who mistakenly believed they were covered in actual gemstones. After a 13-year mystery surrounding their whereabouts, the slippers were recovered by the FBI in 2018. In 2023, Martin pleaded guilty to stealing them and was sentenced to time served.
The auctioneers referred to the slippers as the “Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia”. Their sale coincided with a renewed interest in the musical following the recent release of the prequel movie “Wicked”.
The world of movie memorabilia has seen some staggering amounts being paid for items with historical and cultural significance. Other notable sales include the lead statuette from “The Maltese Falcon” which sold for $4.1 million, the Steinway Piano from “Casablanca” which fetched $3.4 million, and a prop version of R2-D2 from “Star Wars” that was sold for $2.76 million.
However, the sale of the ruby slippers has surpassed all previous records, underscoring the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood memorabilia. The whereabouts of the slippers during the 13 years they were missing remains a tantalizing mystery, adding to their allure and value.
The sale of the ruby slippers is a testament to the enduring appeal of “The Wizard of Oz” and its place in cinematic history. As the world of movie memorabilia continues to thrive, it will be interesting to see what other treasures come to light and how much they will fetch at future auctions.