After nearly two decades of mystery and excitement, the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz are back on the auction block. This continuation of the slippers' long and storied saga began shortly after they were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, back in 2005. The glittering shoes have sparked countless conversations and shaped many narratives around the world of movie memorabilia, and their return to the public eye is reigniting the imaginations of fans and collectors alike.
The auction, conducted by Heritage Auctions, started on Monday and will run until December 7, giving avid collectors and curious fans ample time to place their bids. These slippers are not just any pair of shoes; they are embellished with sequins and beads, and their allure is intensified by their enchanting history. They were initially owned by Michael Shaw, the dedicated memorabilia collector who had generously loaned them to the museum just before the audacious theft.
This incident had all the makings of a Hollywood thriller. On July 3, 2005, someone broke through the museum’s display case, making off with the beloved ruby slippers. Their disappearance left many searching for answers, unaware of the complex and winding path they would follow. For over thirteen years, their whereabouts were shrouded in mystery.
The twist to this tale came when the FBI recovered the slippers in 2018, leading to renewed interest and eventual plans to auction them off. But fans and museum representatives are not just passive observers; the Judy Garland Museum is once again setting its eyes on acquiring the slippers to return them home. They represent not only Garland’s legacy but also the town's deep connection to its most celebrated resident.
For Grand Rapids, the stakes are high. Community efforts have rallied support around this endeavor, especially through the annual Judy Garland festival, which raises funds for the museum and associated memorabilia. This year, Minnesota lawmakers set aside $100,000 to purchase the slippers, but competition is heating up as other interested parties vie for ownership.
The story of the slippers takes another intriguing turn when examining the man responsible for their theft. Terry Jon Martin, the 76-year-old man who shattered the glass case to remove the shoes, was sentenced earlier this year to time already served due to his poor health conditions. His motive was not simply greed; according to his attorney, he was led to believe the slippers were adorned with real jewels, justifying their $1 million insured value.
Martin’s attempt was described as trying to make one final score, spurred on by associates from his past who had ties to organized crime. It’s hard to deny the pull of the ruby slippers—they were, after all, one of several pairs worn by Garland during the making of the film, and only four pairs are known to remain.
The auction isn’t just about this pair of slippers, either. It will also feature other The Wizard of Oz memorabilia, including Margaret Hamilton’s infamous Wicked Witch hat and the screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home. Such artifacts of cinematic history serve as reminders of the magic created over tentatively spun film reels.
This upcoming auction is more than just numbers and bids; it encapsulates treasured memories and symbols of hope for generations of fans who have grown up alongside Garland’s beloved character, Dorothy. The slippers, undeniably, gleam with the charm and nostalgia of childhood, representing far more than mere footwear.
So, as the clock ticks toward December 7, all eyes will be on Heritage Auctions and what this iconic pair of ruby slippers will fetch. Will they return to their rightful place at the museum, or will they find new homes with collectors who cherish them just as much? Only time—and the bidders—will tell!