Ruby Slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to Be Auctioned Nearly Two Decades After Infamous Theft

MINNEAPOLIS — Nearly 20 years after the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” were stolen from a Minnesota museum, they are headed for auction this Saturday. Heritage Auctions anticipates that the famous footwear could sell for over $3 million. As of Friday, online bids had already reached $1.55 million, totaling $1.91 million when including the buyer’s premium.

Robert Wilonsky, a vice president of the auction house, reported a surge of interest, with over 800 bidders actively tracking the slippers and nearly 43,000 web page views for the auction by Thursday. These sequined shoes, a beloved piece of cinematic history from the 1939 musical, have a storied past. Rhys Thomas, author of “The Ruby Slippers of Oz,” remarked that they’ve seen “more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road.”

Originally displayed at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the slippers were stolen in 2005 by Terry Jon Martin, who broke in with a hammer. The shoes remained missing for 13 years before being recovered by the FBI in 2018. Martin, now 77, was indicted in May 2023 and subsequently pleaded guilty in October. Due to his health issues, he was sentenced to time served.

According to his attorney, Martin’s motivation stemmed from a desire to secure one last significant robbery. He was misled into believing the slippers were adorned with real jewels, only to later discover that the rubies were actually glass. Following this revelation, he disposed of the slippers, although the specifics of how remain unclear.

Another individual involved, Jerry Hal Saliterman, is facing legal consequences as well. The 77-year-old, who allegedly acted as a fence for the stolen goods, has been indicted and is scheduled for trial in January. He has pleaded not guilty.

The ruby slippers were returned in February to memorabilia collector Michael Shaw, who had previously loaned them to the museum. This particular pair is one of the few known to have survived from the multiple pairs Garland wore during filming. In the film, Dorothy famously clicks her heels together to return home, reiterating, “There’s no place like home.”

The Judy Garland Museum is among the bidders, with local efforts to raise funds for the purchase, aided by a $100,000 allocation from Minnesota lawmakers. The interest in “The Wizard of Oz” has been rejuvenated recently, especially with the release of “Wicked,” a popular Broadway adaptation that reimagines the Wicked Witch of the West.

In addition to the ruby slippers, the auction features other memorabilia, including a hat worn by Margaret Hamilton, the actress who portrayed the original Wicked Witch.