In a stunning display of Hollywood nostalgia, a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” sold for an amazing $32.5 million at auction. This event drew approximately 1,800 bidders from around the world.
Gilbert Adrian, MGM’s head costume designer, created these legendary slippers, which the Western Costume Company made. They are only four known pairs who survived the film’s original production. Heritage Auctions’ auction broke records for movie memorabilia and highlighted the cultural significance of this famous film item.
The slippers have an intriguing backstory. They were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and recovered by the FBI in 2018, enhancing their legendary reputation. Their owner, Michael Shaw, watched as the auction price skyrocketed beyond expectations.
Joe Maddalena, Heritage Auctions’ Executive Vice President, stressed the slippers’ distinctiveness. “There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other Hollywood memorabilia,” he told me. “This breathtaking result shows how significant movies and their memorabilia are to our culture and collectors.”
In a related auction, the Wicked Witch’s hat from the same film sold for $2.93 million following an entertaining bidding war. This hat, also made by Adrian, has a remarkable inscription inside the brim: “M. Hamilton 4461-164,” referring to Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played the witch.
These record-breaking sales demonstrate the long-lasting appeal of “The Wizard of Oz.” More than 80 years after its release, the film captivates viewers and collectors. Its iconic things fetch exorbitant prices, reflecting the film’s ongoing allure.
