A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ has sold for a record-breaking $2.8 million at an auction in Los Angeles. The sale, which took place on November 15, 2022, was facilitated by Profiles in History, a leading auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia.
The ruby slippers, which are one of the most iconic symbols of American cinema, were designed by MGM’s chief costume designer, Adrian, and created by the studio’s prop department. The shoes were made from red sequined fabric and featured a distinctive bow and heel. Only a few pairs of the original slippers were made for the film, and it is estimated that only four pairs have survived to the present day.
The pair sold at auction is known as the “Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers” and is considered to be one of the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold. The slippers were once thought to be lost, but they were rediscovered in 2000 by a collector who had purchased them from a MGM employee in the 1970s.
The slippers have been on display at various museums and exhibitions over the years, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. They are considered to be a cultural treasure and a symbol of the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
The sale of the ruby slippers was highly anticipated, with many collectors and museums bidding on the item. The winning bid was placed by an anonymous collector, who outbid several other bidders to secure the slippers.
The sale of the ruby slippers is a significant event in the world of movie memorabilia, and it highlights the enduring appeal of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and its iconic symbols. The film, which was released in 1939, has become a beloved classic and continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
The ruby slippers are not only a valuable collector’s item but also a piece of cinematic history. They are a reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the film, and they continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and film enthusiasts.
In addition to the ruby slippers, several other items from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ were sold at the auction, including a Cowardly Lion costume, a Tin Man hat, and a script signed by Judy Garland. The sale of these items demonstrates the enduring popularity of the film and its iconic characters.
The sale of the ruby slippers also highlights the growing market for movie memorabilia. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in collecting movie memorabilia, with many collectors willing to pay high prices for rare and unique items.
The auction house, Profiles in History, has facilitated the sale of many significant movie memorabilia items over the years, including the original Star Wars lightsaber, the original Superman cape, and the original Planet of the Apes chimpanzee costume.
The sale of the ruby slippers is a significant event in the world of movie memorabilia, and it demonstrates the enduring appeal of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and its iconic symbols. The slippers are a cultural treasure and a reminder of the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
