Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Auctioned for $28 Million

Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Auctioned for $28 Million \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz sold for $28 million in a record-breaking auction. Stolen in 2005 and recovered in 2018, the shoes were the focus of a complex heist involving organized crime. This sale, coinciding with the release of the movie Wicked, underscores the enduring cultural significance of the 1939 classic.

Ruby Slippers: Quick Looks

• Auction Record: Garland’s ruby slippers sold for $28 million, surpassing estimates of $3 million.
• High Interest: Over 800 bidders followed the auction; 43,000 page views recorded.
• Decades-Long Mystery: Stolen in 2005 and recovered by the FBI in 2018.
• Heist Details: Thief Terry Jon Martin misled into thinking the slippers contained real rubies.
• Rare Artifact: One of only four pairs known to survive from the 1939 classic.
• Museum’s Effort: Judy Garland Museum raised funds but couldn’t secure the shoes.
• Cultural Resonance: Sale aligns with renewed interest from the release of Wicked.

Deep Look

The Ruby Slippers: A Journey Through Time

Judy Garland’s ruby slippers, worn in the 1939 cinematic masterpiece The Wizard of Oz, were sold for a staggering $28 million at an auction hosted by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The slippers far exceeded their estimated $3 million value, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic pieces of Hollywood memorabilia. Over 800 bidders tracked the auction, and the item attracted nearly 43,000 web page views, underscoring the intense interest in this cultural artifact.

A Theft Shrouded in Mystery

The ruby slippers have a dramatic history, marked by theft, recovery, and legal proceedings. In 2005, the shoes were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Terry Jon Martin, then 59, used a hammer to smash the museum’s door and display case to steal the item. For over a decade, the slippers’ whereabouts remained unknown until the FBI recovered them in 2018 following a tip-off.

Martin, now 77, pleaded guilty to the crime in October 2023, admitting that he was attempting “one last score” after being misled into believing the shoes were adorned with real jewels. According to his attorney, Dane DeKrey, Martin had been approached by an associate with ties to organized crime, who convinced him the slippers’ $1 million insured value was due to genuine rubies. When Martin learned the stones were merely glass, he disposed of the slippers. Despite Martin’s confession, many details of their journey between the theft and recovery remain unclear.

The Alleged Fence

Another suspect, Jerry Hal Saliterman, 77, was indicted in March 2023 as an alleged fence who helped Martin offload the stolen item. Saliterman, who is also in poor health, has pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for January 2024, leaving some unresolved questions about his role in the case.

A Rare and Valuable Artifact

The slippers were returned in February to Michael Shaw, a memorabilia collector who had originally loaned them to the Judy Garland Museum. Of the multiple pairs created for the film, only four are confirmed to exist today. Each pair has its own unique story, but this pair has arguably become the most famous due to its connection to the infamous heist.

Renewed Spotlight on The Wizard of Oz

The sale of the slippers coincides with a resurgence of interest in The Wizard of Oz, bolstered by the release of Wicked, a cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway prequel. The film reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, offering fans a fresh perspective on the classic tale. This cultural resurgence has further amplified the value of memorabilia associated with the original film.

Museum Efforts to Reclaim the Slippers

The Judy Garland Museum had been eager to reclaim the slippers, launching fundraising campaigns during its annual Judy Garland Festival and securing a $100,000 allocation from Minnesota lawmakers. Despite their efforts, the museum was outbid in the high-stakes auction, leaving the slippers in private hands.

A Legacy Preserved

Beyond the slippers, the auction included other Wizard of Oz memorabilia, such as the hat worn by Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West. These items highlight the enduring legacy of the 1939 film, which continues to captivate audiences and inspire new adaptations.

The ruby slippers symbolize not only a connection to Hollywood’s Golden Age but also the resilience of stories that transcend generations. Dorothy’s timeless mantra—“There’s no place like home”—remains a touchstone for audiences worldwide, ensuring that the cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz endures.

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