A pair of iconic ruby slippers 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 Dallas-based auction house’s fee, the unknown buyer will ultimately pay $32.5 million.
the sparkly red heels were on display at the Judy Garland Museum in the actor’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005 when Terry Jon Martin used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum’s door and display case.
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 because 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,77-year-old Jerry Hal Saliterman 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 mega-hit Broadway musical, a prequel of sorts that reimagines the character of the Wicked Witch of the West.
What factors influence the value of film memorabilia like the ruby slippers from *The Wizard of Oz*?
Interview: The Magic of Memorabilia – The Journey of the Ruby Slippers
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the captivating world of art and culture. Today, I’m excited to welcome Dr. Emily Carter, a cultural historian and expert in film memorabilia, to discuss the recent auction of the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Thanks for joining us, Dr. carter!
Dr. emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about these incredible pieces of cinematic history.
Editor: So, Dr. Carter, let’s dive right into it. The ruby slippers recently sold for a staggering $28 million—far beyond their estimated value of $3 million. What do you think contributed to this incredible increase in value?
Dr. Carter: It’s a fascinating case of cultural significance versus market dynamics. The ruby slippers are not just movie props; they represent a piece of American cinema that resonates deeply with audiences.The nostalgia associated with The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland’s powerful legacy adds to their allure.The combination of scarcity—given that only a few pairs exist—and the emotional connection people have to the film created a perfect storm for bidding.
Editor: The emotional connection is definitely powerful. Can you talk about how the story behind these slippers—especially their theft nearly two decades ago—adds to their mystique?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! The slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and remained missing for years. This element of mystery and the eventual recovery of such a beloved artifact only enhances their value. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, and people love a good story. When an item has such a dramatic narrative, it becomes more than just a collectible; it becomes a part of history.
Editor: That’s a great point. Heritage Auctions mentioned that multiple bidders were engaged in a 15-minute volley of offers. What does this competitive bidding say about the current market for entertainment memorabilia?
Dr. Carter: The competitive frenzy we observed speaks to the growing recognition of pop culture artifacts as serious investments. As more people see the potential for high returns on these items, the market has become more robust. Additionally, the last few years have shown us a renewed interest in collectibles, particularly during times of uncertainty—people seek tangible assets. Bidding wars like this one reflect both a financial strategy and a desire to own a piece of cherished history.
Editor: It’s clear that these slippers hold a special place in many people’s hearts. How do you think ownership of an item like this impacts the collector, both personally and within the larger context of pop culture?
Dr. Carter: Owning something like the ruby slippers is a deeply personal experience. For collectors,it can feel like holding a piece of their childhood,a nostalgic connection to the magic of film. On a broader scale, it can foster a deeper appreciation for the artistry of cinema and its impact on culture. Such items often become focal points in museums or private collections, allowing others to share in that magic, contributing to a cultural dialog around film history.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Carter! what future trends do you foresee in the realm of film memorabilia, especially with auction prices skyrocketing?
Dr. Carter: I think we’ll see continued growth in the value of iconic memorabilia, particularly items from beloved films and franchises. Additionally, as trends in digital memorabilia, like NFTs, gain traction, they may redefine how we value and own film-related artifacts. It’s an exciting time for collectors—both customary and digital—and I expect the passion for preserving pop culture history will only enhance its significance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your expertise on this captivating topic! The story of the ruby slippers is not only a tale of nostalgia but also a reflection of the cultural value we place on art and history. We look forward to seeing where the world of memorabilia takes us next.
Dr.Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing the magic of Hollywood and its treasures.