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Oz Ruby Slippers Auction
Iconic ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" are up for auction after being recovered from a 2005 theft.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentAuctionPop CultureMuseumTheftMovie Memorabilia
Judy Garland MuseumHeritage AuctionsFbiAcademy Of Motion Picture Arts And SciencesSmithsonian
Judy GarlandMichael ShawTerry Jon MartinJerry Hal SalitermanJanie Heitz
- Where and when are the ruby slippers being auctioned?
- The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz" are being auctioned at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, with online bidding open until December 7th. The current highest bid is \$550,000, significantly less than the estimated market value of \$3.5 million.
- What was the motive behind the theft of the ruby slippers?
- Terry Jon Martin, motivated by a 'one last score' and a misconception about the shoes' jewel encrustation, orchestrated the 2005 theft. Another accomplice, Jerry Hal Saliterman, is also facing charges.
- What is the history of the ruby slippers' theft and recovery?
- The slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and recovered by the FBI in 2018. A 76-year-old career criminal, Terry Jon Martin, pleaded guilty to the theft and received time served plus restitution.
- What efforts are underway to return the slippers to the Judy Garland Museum?
- The Judy Garland Museum is fundraising to try and repurchase the slippers, and Minnesota lawmakers have allocated \$100,000 towards their return. The museum hopes to bring the iconic footwear back to its rightful home.
- How many pairs of the ruby slippers from the film are known to exist, and where are they located?
- Only four pairs of the ruby slippers from the film are known to exist. Three are in museum collections (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Smithsonian, and a private collection), and the pair currently up for auction is considered higher quality than the Smithsonian's pair.