An auction house is now offering the glittering ruby slippers once worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz", nearly two decades after someone stole them.
A 2005 heist led these famed slippers to disappear until an FBI recovery in 2018, and they are now online for bidding through December 7, hosted by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, AP News reported.
In 2005, someone stole the slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Part of a memorabilia collection, the slippers were initially believed to contain real jewels, which led Terry Jon Martin to seize them in what his attorney described as an attempt to make "one last score."
The stolen slippers remained missing for years, prompting an extensive search that ended in 2018 when the FBI located and recovered them. This recovery was a relief to both the museum and the fans of the iconic film, ensuring these pieces of Hollywood history were preserved.
Heritage Auctions in Dallas has taken up the task of selling the slippers. The online auction started before Monday and will conclude on December 7, attracting widespread interest, particularly from collectors and film enthusiasts.
Michael Shaw, the original owner of the slippers and a memorabilia collector who lent them to the museum for display, has now provided these treasures for auction. Over the years, his collection has held a significant place in the memorabilia community, with these slippers among its most cherished items.
The Judy Garland Museum is actively working to repurchase the slippers. They have raised funds for this effort through their annual Judy Garland festival and received $100,000 in financial support from Minnesota lawmakers.
Only four known pairs of ruby slippers worn by Garland during "The Wizard of Oz" exist, making them exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. This scarcity intensifies the competition and increases the value of such iconic memorabilia.
A judge sentenced Terry Jon Martin, who stole the slippers, to time served in January, citing his health condition as a factor in the decision. This sentencing marked the conclusion of a long-standing legal saga surrounding these cinematic artifacts.
The auction includes not only the slippers but also other notable items from "The Wizard of Oz". Among them are Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West hat and the screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home—items that resonate strongly with the film's fans.
The possibility of reclaiming such an iconic piece of film history has generated considerable interest among Judy Garland Museum supporters and others. The museum hopes that restoring the slippers to their original display spot will enhance the visitor experience and preserve Judy Garland’s legacy.
As the auction approaches its final days, the number of online bids has accelerated. Collectors from around the world are keen to own a piece of Hollywood history, pushing the bids higher and reflecting the enduring appeal of "The Wizard of Oz."
The broader auction includes a range of memorabilia from the movie, spotlighting the diversity of items that were part of the production, from costumes to props. This breadth offers a deeper glimpse into the filmmaking process of the era and Garland's enduring impact on popular culture.
As December 7 approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of this auction, not just for the sale price but for the story of cultural preservation encapsulated in those sparkling red slippers. The final hammer will not just be setting a price—it will be confirming the legacy of one of the most beloved films in the history of cinema.
