Stolen Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz Auctioned for a Staggering $28 Million!

In a stunning auction this past Saturday, a pair of iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic film The Wizard of Oz was sold for an eye-watering $28 million! The auction took place at Heritage Auctions, where the slippers drew intense interest, with over 800 bidders keeping a close eye on their progress online.

Originally estimated to sell for around $3 million, the bidding escalated rapidly, reaching $1.55 million by Friday. Including the buyer's premium, the total climbed to nearly $1.91 million. It’s remarkable to note that the auction page attracted almost 43,000 views, showcasing the public’s obsession with this legendary piece of cinematic history.

As Rhys Thomas, author of The Ruby Slippers of Oz, aptly noted, these sequined shoes have endured “more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road.” The beloved footwear was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, back in 2005, when an intruder broke in with a hammer, shattering the display case. The slippers remained missing for over a decade, shrouded in mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018.

In a more recent development, the thief, Terry Jon Martin, was revealed to be a 77-year-old who had a checkered history with the law. He was indicted in May 2023 and confessed to the crime in October. Due to his declining health, he was sentenced to time served. Martin's attempt was speculated to be a desperate final heist, fueled by a deception that the shoes were adorned with real jewels to justify their insured value of $1 million. However, when told the rubies were merely glass, he discarded the slippers, though the details of how remain unclear.

Further complicating the saga, Jerry Hal Saliterman, 77, an alleged accomplice who dealt in stolen goods, was indicted in March and is due for trial in January. Despite his advanced age and health issues, he maintains his innocence.

The recovered slippers, one of only four known surviving pairs, were returned to memorabilia collector Michael Shaw, who had previously loaned them to the museum. As part of their campaign to reclaim the iconic shoes, the Judy Garland Museum has been actively fundraising, with contributions bolstered by the annual Judy Garland festival.

The buzz surrounding The Wizard of Oz has intensified recently with the release of Wicked, a film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical that serves as a prequel to the classic tale. This renewed interest in the beloved story only amplifies the significance of the ruby slippers, symbols of nostalgia and cinematic history.

Don't miss out on the latest in Hollywood history! These ruby slippers are more than just memorabilia; they are a dazzling link to a beloved legacy that has enchanted audiences for generations.