Few items in Hollywood history are as legendary as the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz. These iconic red shoes, worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy, have captured the imaginations of fans and collectors alike for generations. Now, one of the rare pairs is up for auction at Heritage Auctions, with bidding expected to exceed a million dollars. This unique opportunity has reignited public interest in the shoes' fascinating story—from their on-screen moments to an FBI-recovered heist.
- The Auction and Bidding War: The Ruby Slippers, one of the most cherished artifacts in film memorabilia, opened for bidding at $812,500, and with the buyer's premium, the price has already reached $1,015,625. The auction will continue until December 7, giving collectors and movie enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of cinematic history.
- Screen Appearances and Unique Value: The shoes up for auction aren't just any replica or promotional item; they are genuine props from the 1939 MGM classic, used in pivotal scenes such as the famous “We're Off to See the Wizard” dance and Dorothy's “Tap Your Heels” moment. Only four known pairs of Ruby Slippers remain, with one pair displayed at the Smithsonian, making these shoes both iconic and exceedingly rare.
- The Mismatch Backstory: Interestingly, the auctioned pair consists of a right and left shoe from two separate pairs. The Smithsonian holds the matching “sister” shoes, making this auction item even more unique and complex in its history.
- A Storied History of Ownership: After MGM's massive auction in the 1970s, the slippers passed into private ownership, eventually reaching the hands of Michael Shaw, who toured the shoes across the country. Tragically, they were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum. For more than a decade, the slippers' whereabouts remained unknown until the FBI's 2018 recovery. The heist's story involves an aging mobster, mistaken beliefs about the shoes' gemstones, and a recent court case that drew renewed public attention.
- Other Items for Sale: Beyond the Ruby Slippers, other rare Wizard of Oz items are also up for auction, including the pointed “Flying Hat” worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in the famous tornado scene. Starting at $100,000, the hat offers a more affordable, yet still prestigious, option for collectors.
As the December 7 auction deadline approaches, excitement mounts. Will these Ruby Slippers find a new home among a private collector, or will they join a museum's collection for public enjoyment? For classic movie fans and collectors, this auction is more than a chance to buy a valuable item—it's an opportunity to hold a piece of Hollywood magic.
This auction offers fans of The Wizard of Oz an extraordinary chance to own a tangible piece of film history. With only four pairs in existence and the incredible backstory of theft and recovery, these Ruby Slippers symbolize both the enduring legacy of classic Hollywood and the dedication of collectors and fans worldwide. The high auction price reflects not only the shoes' rarity but also the cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz. This auction underscores how enduring and impactful film memorabilia can be, offering us a chance to connect with beloved icons from the past in new ways.
“What would you do if you owned the Ruby Slippers—display them, donate to a museum, or keep them as a private treasure? Share your thoughts below!”
