A pair of ruby slippers, famously worn by actress Judy Garland in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” will be auctioned next month.
This event follows nearly 20 years after the slippers were reported stolen.
Heritage Auctions has displayed the iconic footwear in London ahead of the auction, which is scheduled to take place in Dallas on December 7th.
These ruby slippers have captured the imagination of both film enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, given their historical significance and connection to one of Hollywood’s most beloved films.
The auction house predicts that the slippers could fetch a significant sum. Reports suggest that the current bid is already at $812,000, with expectations that the final price might exceed this amount.
The minimum next bid is set at $825,000, as per the auction updates. The rarity of these slippers adds to their value, as only four known pairs of the shoes exist.
The ruby slippers have a storied history that includes theft and recovery. They were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota in 2005 during a heist.
For years, their whereabouts remained a mystery, until they were recovered by the FBI in 2018. The recovery operation involved a sting operation, which eventually led to the retrieval of this iconic piece of Hollywood memorabilia.
These iconic items are a significant part of film history and a testament to Judy Garland’s enduring legacy as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” The film, released in 1939, continues to be a cultural phenomenon.
Auction experts suggest that the final selling price could potentially set a record for Hollywood memorabilia auctions.
