Hollywood auction features original ruby slippers and Wicked Witch of the West’s hat
Soon after the “Wizard of Oz” story makes its second big Hollywood splash with the premiere of “Wicked” on Nov. 22, 2024, two iconic pieces of Oz history will hit the Heritage Auctions block on Dec. 7, 2024: Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers and the Wicked Witch’s Hat.
One of only four pairs of surviving ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic (Lot #89182) – and the ones used in close-ups of Dorothy clicking her heels – the bedazzled beauties are the pair that was famously stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn., in 2005, but thankfully recovered by the FBI 13 years later. The ruby slippers will find a new home with one lucky bidder next month, and as of Nov. 5, 2024, the bidding was already at $812,500.
Author Rhys Thomas described the iconic shoes in his book The Ruby Slippers of Oz as “much more than just a piece of Hollywood memorabilia, much more than a valuable piece of industry history. They transcended Hollywood to the point where they represented the powerful image of innocence to all America.”
Dorothy’s ruby slippers aren’t the only Oz artifact in the Hollywood Signature auction; also included is the hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West (Lot #89183; starting bid $100,000). Hamilton wore the screen-matched hat in the “arrival in Munchkinland” sequence when she and Dorothy first meet (and when the ruby slippers magically appear on Dorothy’s feet).
Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena, who has handled more “Wizard of Oz”memorabilia and props than any other auctioneer – including Dorothy’s blue dress and the Witch’s hourglass – calls it “the finest example of the Wicked Witch’s hat known to exist.” It’s also the only one to feature “M. Hamilton 4461-164” inside its brim, referring, of course, to Margaret Hamilton.
In addition to arguably the two most recognizable symbols of “The Wizard of Oz,” the auction also features 31 other items from the 1939 movie, including the screen-used screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home (Lot #89185; starting bid $15,000), the gloves worn by Burt Lahr as the Cowardly Lion (Lot #89187; starting bid $10,000), and producer Mervyn LeRoy’s copy of the movie’s script (Lot #89165; starting bid $8,000).
One particularly interesting piece from “Wizard of Oz” is Judy Garland’s “Dorothy Gale” blonde wig from the first week of shooting (Lot #89186; starting bid $5,000). Initially, filmmakers envisioned a glamorous Dorothy, but LeRoy quickly made an adjustment, and the character became a “middle American every-girl,” with the now-famous chestnut brown pigtails replacing the long blonde wig.
The auction also features a painting of the ruby slippers on a panel of the original 1923 Hollywoodland sign (later the iconic Hollywood Sign) that was removed in the 1970s when the sign was restored (Lot #89184; starting bid $20,000).
“The ruby slippers and Wicked Witch’s hat stand at the pinnacle of Hollywood history,” said Maddalena. “The ruby slippers embody magic and innocence that resonate far beyond film, representing a true cultural icon. Meanwhile, the Wicked Witch’s hat adds an edge of cinematic legend to this auction. Together, they offer collectors a rare connection to ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Yet these are only a fraction of the treasures in this unprecedented event. It’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime auction that profoundly, sincerely celebrates film and television history.”
More Memorable Movie Items
Also on the block during the Heritage Auctions Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction are the screen-matched hero game board from the original 1995 “Jumanji” movie – complete with four animal-shaped tokens and a pair of dice (Lot #89132; starting bid $100,000) – and a screen-matched “Wilson” volleyball from “Cast Away.”
The auction also includes the only screen-used hero “flying” wooden hoverboard from “Back to the Future Part II” signed by Michael J. Fox (Lot #89124; starting bid $100,000).
The hoverboard comes from the only other man to use it during production: Fox’s stunt double Charlie Croughwell, who writes in his letter of authenticity that “this Hoverboard has been in my possession beginning with our first day of Flying Rehearsals up until present day.” The reason Croughwell is parting with this iconic prop? Fifty percent of the proceeds from its auction will go to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
How to Bid
Heritage Auctions is located in Dallas, Tex. The Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction will take place on Dec. 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. CT.
There will be one Signature Floor Session for Lots 89001-89188. Bids will be accepted via Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live. Proxy bidding ends ten minutes before the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts within 2 hours of the auction opening for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.
Click here to browse the entire Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction catalog.
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