A pair of iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic film The Wizard of Oz recently made headlines after selling for a staggering $28 million at a Heritage Auctions event in London. This sale marked a historic moment in movie memorabilia history, surpassing the previous record set by Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which sold for $5.52 million in 2011.
The bidding war for the ruby slippers quickly escalated, with the final price reaching $32.5 million when including the auction house’s fees. The shoes, estimated to sell for $3 million, garnered attention from collectors and fans alike, driving up the price within minutes.
These particular ruby slippers have a dramatic past, having been stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and recovered by the FBI in 2018. The thief, Terry Jon Martin, was eventually identified and pleaded guilty to the robbery. Despite his criminal history, Martin expressed remorse for his actions and was sentenced to supervised release due to his health issues.
The shoes were returned to their rightful owner, Michael Shaw, who had purchased them in 1970 and generously loaned them to museums across the country. Shaw described seeing the slippers again as a heartfelt reunion with a long-lost friend.
When Shaw decided to consign the ruby slippers to Heritage Auctions, the news generated significant interest from potential buyers, including the Judy Garland Museum. Although the museum did not win the bid to bring the shoes back to Garland’s birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, they remain committed to following the shoes’ story and preserving their legacy.
Overall, the sale of the ruby slippers serves as a reminder of the enduring popularity and cultural significance of The Wizard of Oz and its beloved characters. The shoes continue to captivate audiences and collectors alike, showcasing the timeless appeal of Hollywood memorabilia.
