Iconic Ruby Slippers From “The Wizard of Oz” Fetch Record-Breaking Price at Auction
After a fierce bidding war that saw the price skyrocket past initial estimates, a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” sold for a staggering $28 million at auction on Saturday. The winning bid, which includes the Dallas-based auction house’s fee, ultimately totals $32.5 million.
The iconic footwear, adorned with sparkling red sequins, was originally on display at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, when it was stolen in a brazen heist in 2005. The thief, Terry Jon Martin, smashed through the museum’s door and display case to make off with the shoes. Their whereabouts remained a mystery for years until the FBI recovered them in 2018.
A Twisted History
Martin, now 77, pleaded guilty in October 2023 and was sentenced to time served due to his declining health. His attorney revealed that Martin, who had a history of burglary and receiving stolen property, was motivated by a desire for “one last score.” He had been told by an associate with ties to organized crime that the slippers, if adorned with real jewels, could justify their $1 million insured value. However, a “fence” – someone who buys stolen goods – later informed him that the rubies were mere glass, prompting him to dispose of the slippers. How he did so remains unclear.
Another individual purportedly involved in the theft, 77-year-old Jerry Hal Saliterman, is awaiting trial.
The shoes were eventually returned to memorabilia collector Michael Shaw, who had originally loaned them to the museum.
A Pop Culture Treasure Returned
This isn’t the first time the red slippers have faced incredible odds. Only four pairs are known to have survived from the filming of “The Wizard of Oz.” The ones sold on Saturday flew back into the hearts of fans worldwide after a diligent campaign by the Judy Garland Museum to bring them back to the institution.
“There’s no place like home” – Dorothy’s famous line in the film – resonated with the museum’s efforts. They launched a donation drive, supplementing funds raised through the city’s annual Judy Garland festival and $100,000 allocated by Minnesota lawmakers to assist in the acquisition. Despite their valiant efforts, the museum’s bid was ultimately unsuccessful.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, which attracted intense global interest and saw over 800 people tracking the slippers online, declared Saturday’s sale a monumental event. The winning bid not only marked a significant moment for cinematic history but also shattered the previous record for entertainment memorabilia, which stood at $5.52 million for Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress from “The Seven Year Itch”.
Other “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia up for grabs included a hat worn by Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West. That piece fetched $2.4 million, bringing its total cost to the buyer to $2.93 million.
The renewed interest in “The Wizard of Oz” is undeniable. The upcoming release of the musical adaptation “Wicked” has brought the beloved story and
How has the theft and recovery of the ruby slippers in 2005 and 2018, respectively, influenced their perception and value?
## A Record-Breaking Return to Oz: Interview with Rhys Thomas
**Host:** Rhys Thomas, author of “The Ruby Slippers of Oz,” joins us today to discuss the record-breaking sale of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers. Welcome, Rhys!
**Rhys Thomas:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** The slippers sold for a staggering $32.5 million at auction. Were you surprised by the final price?
**Rhys Thomas:** Absolutely. While these slippers are undeniably iconic, that price tag far exceeded any expectations. It speaks volumes about their cultural significance and the enduring allure of “The Wizard of Oz.” [[1](https://apnews.com/article/stolen-ruby-slippers-wizard-of-oz-auction-6d5ccf8af71e1d7941d6f01ae4653b76))]
**Host:** Their journey hasn’t been typical, to say the least. They were stolen from the Judy Garland museum back in 2005 and only recently recovered.
**Rhys Thomas:** Yes, their story is full of twists and turns— perhaps more than the Yellow Brick Road itself. The theft was a huge shock, and their disappearance shrouded the slippers in mystery for years. The FBI’s recovery in 2018 brought a sense of relief, and now this auction marks a new chapter in their extraordinary history.
**Host:** What do you think this record-breaking sale says about the continued fascination with “The Wizard of Oz” and its memorabilia?
**Rhys Thomas:** It’s a testament to the power of nostalgia and the timeless appeal of this beloved film. The ruby slippers represent more than just a prop; they symbolize hope, dreams, and the magic of cinema. They capture the hearts and imaginations of people across generations, and this auction is a clear indication of that enduring allure.
