Following the recent arrest of a second suspect in connection with the theft of the iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the shoes worn by Judy Garland are set to be auctioned off. The slippers, which were stolen from collector Michael Shaw, were returned to him during a private ceremony at the Judy Garland Museum. Shaw had originally loaned the pair to the museum in 2005, only for them to be stolen a week later.
After nearly two decades, Shaw has decided to entrust the famed slippers to Heritage Auctions, who will showcase them on a global tour with stops in Los Angeles, New York City, London, and Tokyo. The auction is scheduled to take place in December, with Heritage Auctions expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to handle such a significant piece of Hollywood history.
The ruby slippers are considered one of the most important props in cinematic history, symbolizing hope and capturing the essence of the beloved film. This particular pair, owned by Shaw, is one of only four surviving pairs from the movie. The others are held by prestigious institutions such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
In a twist of fate, the stolen slippers were recovered by the FBI in 2018, leading to the recent legal proceedings against the individuals involved in the theft. Terry Jon Martin, who pleaded guilty to the theft, was sentenced to time served due to health reasons. Another suspect, Jerry Hal Saliterman, faces charges related to the theft and witness tampering.
The upcoming auction of the ruby slippers owned by Shaw has generated significant interest, with experts noting their exceptional quality compared to other existing pairs. The saga of these iconic shoes serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz and the cultural significance of its memorabilia.
