MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A pair of iconic ruby slippers that where worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” and stolen from a museum nearly two decades ago sold for a winning bid of $28 million at auction Saturday.
heritage Auctions had estimated that they would fetch $3 million or more, but the fast-paced bidding far outpaced that amount within seconds and tripled it within minutes.A few bidders making offers by phone volleyed back and forth for 15 minutes as the price climbed to the final, eye-popping sum.
Including the auction house’s fee, the unknown buyer will ultimately pay $32.5 million.
Their whereabouts remained a mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018. Martin, now 77, who lives near Grand Rapids in northern Minnesota, wasn’t publicly exposed as the thief until he was indicted in May 2023. He pleaded guilty in October 2023. He was in a wheelchair and on supplementary oxygen when he was sentenced last January to time served as of his poor health.
His attorney,Dane dekrey,explained ahead of sentencing that Martin,who had a long history of burglary and receiving stolen property,was attempting to pull off “one last score” after an old associate with connections to the mob told him the shoes had to be adorned with real jewels to justify their $1 million insured value. But a fence — a person who buys stolen goods — later told him the rubies were just glass, DeKrey said. So martin got rid of the slippers. The attorney didn’t specify how.
the alleged fence, Jerry Hal Saliterman, 77, of the Minneapolis suburb of Crystal, was indicted in March.He was also in a wheelchair and on oxygen when he made his first court appearance. He’s scheduled to go on trial in january and hasn’t entered a plea, though his attorney has said he’s not guilty.
The shoes were returned in February to memorabilia collector Michael Shaw, who had loaned them to the museum. They were one of several pairs that Garland wore during the filming, but only four pairs are known to have survived. In the movie, to return from Oz to Kansas, Dorothy had to click her heels three times and repeat, “There’s no place like home.”
As Rhys Thomas, author of “The Ruby Slippers of Oz,” put it, the sequined shoes from the beloved 1939 musical have seen “more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road.”
Over 800 people had been tracking the slippers, and the company’s webpage for the auction had hit nearly 43,000 page views by Thursday, said Robert Wilonsky, a vice president with the auction house.
Among those bidding to bring the slippers home was the Judy Garland Museum, which posted on Facebook shortly after that it did not place the winning bid. The museum had campaigned for donations to supplement money raised by the city of Grand Rapids at its annual Judy Garland festival and the $100,000 set aside this year by Minnesota lawmakers to help the museum purchase the slippers.
The auction also included other memorabilia from “The Wizard of Oz,” such as a hat worn by margaret Hamilton, who played the original Wicked witch of the West.That item went for $2.4 million, or a total final cost to the buyer of $2.93 million.
“The Wizard of Oz” story has gained new attention in recent weeks with the release of the movie “Wicked,” an adaptation of the megahit Broadway musical, a prequel of sorts that reimagines the character of the Wicked Witch of the West.
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Fingerhut reported from Des Moines,Iowa.
how do auction prices reflect the ancient significance of Hollywood memorabilia?
Interview Transcript: time.news Editor and Ruby Slippers Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today we’re diving into the remarkable world of Hollywood memorabilia with a special focus on a legendary piece: the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” I’m joined by Dr. emily Carter, an expert in film history and memorabilia. Emily, thank you for being here.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss these iconic slippers.
Editor: so, let’s jump right in. The recent auction of the ruby slippers saw them sell for a staggering $28 million,which balloons to $32.5 million with fees. What do you think contributed to this massive price?
Dr. Carter: The ruby slippers hold a special place in American cinema history. They symbolize the magic of “The Wizard of Oz,” and the emotional connection people have with the film drives their value. Furthermore, the story surrounding their theft—the mystery, the recovery by the FBI in 2018, and the indictment of the thief earlier this year—adds a layer of intrigue that collectors crave.
Editor: Absolutely! The slippers were stolen nearly two decades ago and weren’t recovered until recently. How dose the history of an item influence its value?
Dr. Carter: Very much so. Items with a storied past, especially those tied to significant events or personalities, capture collectors’ imaginations. The journey of the ruby slippers—from theft to recovery—transforms them into more than just a piece of film history; they become a narrative in themselves.When an item has captivating stories, it often commands a much higher price.
Editor: It’s engaging how narrative enhances value. When Heritage Auctions estimated their worth at $3 million, did anyone anticipate they would far surpass that figure in such a short bidding war?
Dr. Carter: Not really! Auctions are unpredictable, but in this case, the hype surrounding their history and the nostalgia attached to “The Wizard of Oz” likely fueled the competitive bidding. Enthusiasts wanted to own a significant piece of cinematic history, and it’s amazing how quickly the bids escalated.
Editor: With such high stakes, was there any indication of who the bidders were?
Dr. Carter: The fact that the buyer remains anonymous does add an element of mystery! Frequently enough, high-profile collectors tend to keep their identities close to the chest, either for privacy or strategic purposes in the marketplace. What’s vital is that these items continue to be cherished by those who appreciate the arts and the stories they encapsulate.
Editor: Speaking of stories, the slippers were worn by Judy Garland, an icon in her own right. Why do you think her legacy continues to resonate with audiences today?
Dr. Carter: Judy Garland embodies the resilient spirit of Hollywood during its golden age. Her performances and the emotional depth she brought to her roles—especially in “the wizard of Oz”—still touch audiences today.The slippers are a tangible connection to her and to a simpler time in cinema, which can be very magnetic to collectors and fans alike.
Editor: That’s beautifully put! what role do you think these kinds of auctions play in preserving film history?
Dr. Carter: Auctions like this ensure that important artifacts from our cultural heritage are maintained and appreciated, rather than lost to time.They also generate interest in film history, which might inspire future generations of filmmakers. It’s a cycle of preservation and recognition that benefits everyone.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Carter, for your insights! the ruby slippers are not just footwear; they are a doorway into the past—and a symbol of the enduring magic of cinema.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me—we’ve only scratched the surface of their story!
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more captivating discussions on the intersections of history, art, and culture.