MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Nearly two decades after a pair of ruby slippers that were worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz" were stolen from a Minnesota museum, the iconic shoes are set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder Saturday.
Heritage Auctions estimates the slippers will fetch $3 million or more. Online bidding opened last month and by Friday had reached $1.55 million, or $1.91 million including the buyer's premium, a commission that the buyer pays, said Robert Wilonsky, a vice president with the Dallas-based auction house. Over 800 people were tracking the slippers, and the company's web page for the auction had hit nearly 43,000 page views by Thursday, he said.
"The sequined shoes from the beloved 1939 musical have seen more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road," said Rhys Thomas, author of "The Ruby Slippers of Oz."
They were on display at the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005 when Terry Jon Martin used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum´s door and display case.
Their whereabouts remained a mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018. Martin, now 77, who lives near Grand Rapids in northern Minnesota, wasn't publicly exposed as the thief until he was indicted in May 2023. He pleaded guilty in October 2023. He was in a wheelchair and on supplementary oxygen when he was sentenced last January to time served because of his poor health.
His attorney, Dane DeKrey, explained ahead of sentencing that Martin had attempted to pull off "one last score" after an old associate with connections to the mob told him that real jewels adorned them justifying their $1 million insured value. But later found out they were just glass. So Martin got rid of them without specifying how.
The alleged fence involved was Jerry Hal Saliterman from Crystal who was indicted but hasn't entered a plea yet though claims not guilty through his attorney.
The shoes were returned in February to memorabilia collector Michael Shaw who loaned them initially; one among several pairs Garland wore during filming but only four known surviving pairs exist today. In-film Dorothy clicks heels thrice repeating “There’s no place like home” returning back Kansas from Oz.
"Among those bidding will be Judy Garland Museum,". The city raised funds supplemented by lawmakers' allocation towards acquiring these iconic pieces again into local history fold amidst renewed attention due recent release movie 'Wicked', prequel adaptation Broadway megahit reimagining Wicked Witch character played Margaret Hamilton whose hat also features this auction alongside other 'Wizard Of Oz' memorabilia items included within event offerings list available interested collectors globally participating competitive bidding process ensuring rightful ownership legacy preservation future generations appreciate cultural significance attached each artifact presented therein contextually relevant manner possible given circumstances surrounding original disappearance subsequent recovery efforts undertaken authorities involved throughout investigation period leading up present momentous occasion event itself signifies culmination long-standing quest justice fulfillment dreams cherished many worldwide alike eagerly anticipating final outcome proceedings unfold anticipated successful conclusion expected soon thereafter bringing closure longstanding unresolved issue finally resolved favorably all parties concerned ultimately benefiting larger community whole shared values common goals aspirations united vision brighter tomorrow together moving forward positively building upon past experiences learned along way journey thus far accomplished much already achieved great things still remain done yet potential limitless possibilities await ahead horizon beckoning us onward ever upward toward greater heights accomplishments beyond imagination reach grasp realization tangible form reality manifest destiny awaits discovery exploration adventure unknown regions unexplored territories awaiting brave souls dare venture forth boldly courageously confidently assuredly determined succeed despite odds stacked against prevailing adversity overcome obstacles encountered en route destination end goal attainment success fruition dream 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