A storied pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” has sold for a record-breaking $1,150,000 on Heritage Auctions’ online auction platform. The shoes were stolen from a museum display in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and later buried in a suburban Minneapolis backyard. The initial bid was $500,000, but it surpassed that amount three weeks after the auction opened. A live auction is scheduled for Saturday, where the final sale will be made.
The current pair of ruby slippers is not perfect, with the shoes paired with the wrong one. They are valued at around $10 million by experts and could become part of a major Hollywood collection. The staff at the Judy Garland Museum hopes to make the slippers part of its display after securing $100,000 from the Minnesota Legislature.
The history of the ruby slippers dates back to the 1930s, when they were worn by Judy Garland in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Only four known sets of the iconic shoes exist, with one pair being owned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The current owner, Michael Shaw, has lent the shoes to various museums and exhibitions.
In 2005, the slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, but they were recovered in 2018 during a sting operation. Terry Jon Martin was later caught and pleaded guilty to stealing the shoes, which he had buried in his backyard for seven years. The current owner has decided to put the slippers up for auction, with a live sale scheduled for Saturday.
The sale marks a significant milestone in the history of the ruby slippers, which have captivated fans around the world. As the final sale approaches, the staff at the Judy Garland Museum is hopeful that they will soon be reunited with their treasured belongings.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/storied-ruby-slippers-bid-surpasses-1-million-with-days-to-go-in-online-auction/601190106