Sequin-covered ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ appear at the offices of Profiles in History in Calabasas, Calif. on Nov. 9, 2001.
Reed Saxon/The Associated Press
Iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Sell for $32.5 Million
A pair of the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” were sold for a staggering $32.5 million at Heritage Auctions on Saturday, shattering all expectations.
The dazzling red heels, stolen from a museum in 2005 and later recovered by the FBI in 2018, were initially estimated to fetch $3 million or more. Live bidding, which was hotly contested between several anonymous phone bidders, saw the price skyrocket in just minutes, ultimately landing at the record-breaking sum.
The Dramatic Heist and Recovery
The slippers were on display at the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, when Terry Jon Martin, a career burglar, smashed his way into the museum and made off with the prized artifacts.
Martin’s motives, as revealed by his attorney during his sentencing, were to pull off “one last score” after an associate with mob connections told him the slippers needed real jewels to justify their $1 million insured value. However, a fence later informed him the rubies were merely glass, prompting Martin to dispose of them.
The FBI recovered the slippers in 2018 after a lengthy investigation. Martin, 77, pleaded guilty to the theft in October 2023 and received time served due to health issues. The alleged fence, Jerry Hal Saliterman, 77, awaits trial in January.
The Legacy of the Ruby Slippers
The “Wizard of Oz” ruby slippers are undeniably iconic, having captured the imaginations of generations thanks to the enduring popularity of the 1939 film.
As Rhys Thomas, author of “The Ruby Slippers of Oz,” aptly stated, these sequined shoes have “seen more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road.”
Beyond the Auction
The auction also featured other valuable memorabilia from “The Wizard of Oz,” including a hat worn by Margaret Hamilton, the original Wicked Witch of the West, which sold for $2.4 million.
The recent release of the movie “Wicked,” a prequel to the classic story, has further rekindled interest in the world of Oz.
This record-breaking sale serves as a testament to the enduring magic and cultural significance of “The Wizard of Oz.”
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