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Few artifacts from Hollywood’s Golden Age possess the instant recognition and cultural weight of the Ruby Slippers and the Wicked Witch of the West’s hat. These aren’t just costumes; they are powerful, enduring cultural symbols, immediately inseparable from The Wizard of Oz, arguably the most beloved fantasy film ever made. Margaret Hamilton’s towering performance as the Wicked Witch remains the definitive screen witch. Her portrayal cemented the character as one of cinema’s most indelible figures, forever linked to that terrifying, pointed silhouette. Now, this timeless piece is up for auction. The vintage, original Adrian-designed signature hat is constructed of black wool bunting with a wide brim reinforced by an interior metal hoop. The towering cone-shaped crown, measuring 13.75 in. high with a heavy canvas lining, is set at a rearward tilt to create the character’s distinctive silhouette. Of the few surviving examples, this version is distinguished by its original 22-inch elastic chinstrap, used to secure the hat to Hamilton’s head during the unforgettable flying sequences. Timed perfectly for the November release of Wicked: For Good, the blockbuster second film in the Wicked series starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. This auction follows last year’s record-breaking sale of the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers for $32.5 million—the highest price ever paid for a piece of Hollywood memorabilia. Also up for sale is a piece related to Dorothy Gale’s signature footwear: a Judy Garland “Rehearsal Slipper” acquired directly from MGM auction cataloguer Kent Warner. This slipper includes 16 original crimson-burgundy glass bugle beads, a poignant precursor to the iconic Ruby Slippers. Another piece of Garland’s wardrobe is the Judy Garland “Dorothy Gale” Original Signature Crème Blouse. Used during the film’s production, this vintage organdy blouse features blue rickrack trim and an interior handwritten “Judy Garland” “4461-1” label, authenticating its use on the set. Also included is an edition of “The Wizard of Oz” Book signed twice by Judy Garland with a lengthy inscription, and featuring the major cast’s autographs—including Toto’s actual paw prints. Garland inscribed the book for her tutor’s daughter, making it a highly personal and unique item. Additionally, a L. Frank Baum Oz-Content Handwritten Signed Letter written on his personal “Ozcot” stationery in December 1918. This letter from Baum’s Hollywood home features illustrations of 14 of his published Oz books, connecting the original literary creator to the film’s legacy. A more modern commemorative item, a pair of Western Costume Company 50th anniversary commemorative ruby slippers. The Wizard of Oz collection will headline Heritage’s Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction, taking place Dec. 9–10, 2025, at the company’s Dallas headquarters and online. A public preview of highlights will be on view at Heritage’s New York City gallery from Nov. 24–Dec 6, 2025.
