Introduction

In an exciting event for film enthusiasts and collectors alike, a pair of stunning ruby red slippers worn by the legendary Judy Garland in the beloved 1939 classic *The Wizard of Oz* is set to go under the hammer this Saturday. These iconic sequinned shoes, once lost to the shadows of a theft, could sell for a staggering $3 million, as estimated by Heritage Auctions.

Bidding Information

Online bidding for these remarkable slippers has been open for a month, and with just hours to go before the auction begins, the highest bid stands impressively at $1.55 million. Often referred to by experts as the "Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia," these shoes represent much more than just a piece of film history; they are a symbol of Americana.

Film Significance

In *The Wizard of Oz*, a film that has left an indelible mark on cinema, Garland portrayed the cherished character Dorothy, who famously utters the line, “There’s no place like home” while clicking her heels together. This heartwarming tale is based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's book *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, although, in a notable departure from the original story—which featured silver slippers—film producers opted for red to showcase the vibrant new Technicolor technology.

Historical Context

While several pairs of slippers were utilized during production, only four are known to exist today. One of these prized pairs is showcased at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, but the pair now up for auction has a fascinating and tumultuous past.

Theft and Recovery

In 2005, collector Michael Shaw lent the slippers to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where they became the target of a spectacular heist. Professional thief Terry Jon Martin smashed the glass case containing the slippers, erroneously believing their insured value of $1 million indicated they were adorned with real gemstones. To his dismay, he later learned they were merely glass replicas. After attempting to sell them through a "fence," Martin relinquished the slippers to an unknown accomplice.

FBI Operation

It wasn't until a dramatic sting operation by the FBI in 2018 that the missing shoes were recovered, though their whereabouts remain a mystery for the intervening years. In a twist of fate, Martin, now in his 70s and requiring a wheelchair, pleaded guilty to the theft earlier this year and received a sentence of time served.

Curator's Reflection

As the auction approaches, John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, reflected on the shoes' journey: “There's some closure, and we do know definitely that Terry Jon Martin did break into our museum, but I'd like to know what happened to them after he let them go. The value is not rubies. The value is an American treasure, a national treasure.”

Conclusion

With the auction day drawing near, collectors and fans of cinematic history are left to wonder: will these iconic ruby slippers find a new home, or will they remain one of Hollywood’s most sought-after artifacts? Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary piece of film history on auction day!