Wizard of Oz ruby red slippers up for auction

by Beth Squires

If you’re a film fan missing a ruby red pair of slippers in your wardrobe, then we have just the news for you. One of the original pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will be coming up for auction just in time for Christmas.

Profiles in History’s Icons of Hollywood auction is set to take place over three days in December, with this particular item set to sell on December 16. You’ll have to dig deep into your pockets though, because the pre-sale estimate is between £1.2million and £2million.

Several sequined pairs were used in the making of the film, but this particular pair are the ones that Garland wore to click her heels together as Dorothy at the end of the film. They have also been on display at the Smithsonian museum.

They’re described as in mint condition, and the inside lining has the words “#7 Judy Garland” inscribed on it. In keeping with the rest of the shoes, the soles are painted red.

Previous auctions have seen the Cowardly Lion costume sell for £522,000, and the Wicked Witch’s hat auctioned for £150,000. Earlier this year, a similar piece of iconic movie history - Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress - went for a massive £3.6million!

EW reports that buzz is already growing for the auction, and for this piece in particular, meaning that they could well sell for much more than the estimate.

It’s just a shame the auction’s not before Halloween, they’d be perfect as an authentic - yet expensive - finishing touch to a costume!