THE SCREEN-WORN ARTIFACT JOINS DOROTHY’S BLOUSE, AN L. FRANK BAUM LETTER, AND OTHER RARE FINDS FROM THE LAND OF OZ
By Christina Rees | November 18, 2025
Following 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 –Heritage Auctions once again journeys down the yellow brick road. Leading its December 9-10 Hollywood & Entertainment Signature® Auction is one of cinema’s most spellbinding and enduring icons: Margaret Hamilton’s screen-worn Wicked Witch of the West flying hat from The Wizard of Oz. Arriving just as audiences anticipate the late November release of Wicked: For Good – the second installment in the blockbuster Wicked film series – this auction comes amid a cultural revival of Oz’s timeless magic and the growing recognition of Hollywood memorabilia as both art and artifact.
“Few treasures in Hollywood history are as instantly recognizable – or as powerfully evocative – as the Wicked Witch’s hat,” says Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions. “It represents not only one of the screen’s greatest villains, but also the craftsmanship, imagination, and storytelling that made The Wizard of Oz a cornerstone of cinematic history.”
Margaret Hamilton ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ screen-worn flying hat from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (MGM, 1939)
Designed by legendary MGM costumer Adrian, the vintage black wool bunting hat – with its towering, rear-tilted crown and wide, metal-brimmed structure – was worn by Hamilton in her immortal portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West. Standing nearly 14 inches high and spanning over 19 inches in diameter, the hat’s silhouette became an emblem of cinematic villainy and transformation. This example is one of only a few known to survive and is distinguished by its original 22-inch elastic chinstrap, used to secure it during the Witch’s unforgettable flying sequences. Its provenance is impeccable, having been acquired in 1970 directly from David Weisz, the famed auctioneer who conducted MGM’s historic studio sale that same year.
Heritage previously sold the only other known example with its original chinstrap – also used in the film’s flying scenes – from the Michael Shaw Collection in December 2024 for $2.93 million. This companion piece, equally museum-worthy, represents not just a cinematic treasure but a symbol of metamorphosis – from character to archetype, from costume to cultural myth.
As Hamilton’s Witch transformed from Miss Gulch during Dorothy’s tornado-driven odyssey, the seamless effect unveiled one of the most chilling and unforgettable entrances in movie history. The hat, much like Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, stands as a symbol of transformation and power. Today, that hat remains a touchstone of Hollywood’s Golden Age, representing both a feat of design and a monument to storytelling that continues to resonate through generations – and through the Wicked films’ modern reinterpretations of Elphaba’s misunderstood magic.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ book signed twice by Judy Garland with lengthy inscription and major cast signatures
A Book Signed by Judy Garland and the Cast – and Toto’s Paw Prints
Another extraordinary highlight is a singular piece of Oz history that blends heartfelt charm with impeccable provenance: an original 1903 edition of The Wizard of Oz signed and inscribed by Judy Garland, along with signatures from the major cast members – including Hamilton, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Clara Blandick – and even Toto’s paw prints.
Garland’s lengthy handwritten inscription offers a rare glimpse into the young actress’s identification with her role: “Playing the part of Dorothy was such fun, and so realistic, that I feel as if I’m not Judy at all, but Dorothy Gale from Kansas… .” Presented to Diane Catherine, the daughter of Garland’s private tutor, this signed volume unites the Oz cast in one piece – a poignant counterpoint to the Witch’s imposing hat, embodying both the tenderness and terror that make The Wizard of Oz immortal.
Judy Garland ‘rehearsal slipper’ from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (MGM, 1939)
Judy Garland ‘Dorothy Gale’ original signature crème blouse from ‘The Wizard of Oz ‘(MGM, 1939), accompanied by a gingham dress used for touring purposes
Judy Garland’s “Rehearsal Slipper” and Original “Dorothy Gale” Blouse
From the esteemed Michael Shaw Collection come two additional treasures. The first, Garland’s right-foot “rehearsal slipper,” mirrors the famed Ruby Slippers in size, color, and construction – sans sequins and jeweled bow. Directly sourced from MGM costumer Kent Warner, the man who helped identify and preserve many of the film’s wardrobe treasures, the slipper allowed Garland to rehearse without risking damage to the bejeweled pairs. Accompanied by original red glass bugle beads used in production as potential replacements for the Ruby Slippers’ beadwork, the piece remains a cornerstone of Shaw’s celebrated Oz holdings, alongside the Ruby Slippers and Witch hat that set auction records last year.
Also from Shaw’s holdings is Garland’s original crème organdy blouse from the film production, a central component of Dorothy’s iconic blue-and-white ensemble. The blouse retains Garland’s handwritten name and production markings and is accompanied by a gingham touring pinafore dress used for exhibitions. Both pieces were designed by Adrian and exemplify the meticulous costume craftsmanship that elevated The Wizard of Oz into legend.
L. Frank Baum handwritten signed letter on personal ‘Ozcot’ stationery (December 1918)
A Letter from Oz’s Creator, L. Frank Baum
Adding literary magic to the auction is a handwritten signed letter by L. Frank Baum, penned in December 1918 on his personal “Ozcot” stationery. In it, the author references his latest work, The Tin Woodman of Oz, and mentions his illness and desire to continue writing Oz stories just months before his death. Letters with such direct Oz-related content from Baum are exceedingly scarce, and this example, filled with warmth, humor, and humanity, offers an intimate connection to the mind that created the Emerald City.
Western Costume Company 50th anniversary commemorative Ruby Slippers
Commemorative Ruby Slippers from Western Costume Company
Rounding out the Oz offerings is a pair of Western Costume Company’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Ruby Slippers, crafted in 1989 using Garland’s “last” – her original foot form. These limited-edition creations, of which fewer than 25 pairs were produced, were made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film’s release. Recent auction sales of these slippers for six-figure prices underscore collectors’ continued passion for all things Oz.
“The Wizard of Oz remains one of the rare films that transcends generations, genres, and geography,” Maddalena says. “These pieces – whether the Wicked Witch’s hat or Judy Garland’s blouse – remind us that Hollywood’s greatest magic isn’t special effects, but the stories and symbols that endure.”
