The Iconic Hat from The Wizard of Oz Heads to Auction
A historic piece of cinematic history is set to go up for auction, drawing attention as the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good prepares to hit theatres. The item in question is the black wool hat worn by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. This iconic accessory, which played a key role in transforming the character of the Wicked Witch of the West, is now being offered by Heritage Auctions.
The hat, which measures 14 inches in height and has a 19.5-inch diameter brim, is notable for its elastic chin strap that was tied around Hamilton’s jaw to keep it secure during the flying broomstick scenes. According to Joe Maddalena, executive VP of Heritage Auctions, the hat represents a pivotal transformation moment in the film. “When Dorothy Gale becomes Dorothy of Oz, it’s when she puts on the ruby slippers,” he said. “When the Wicked Witch becomes the Wicked Witch, she puts on the hat. So it’s this transformational moment of the birth of the witch. I think the importance of the hat is just incredible. It’s on par with the slippers.”
This auction comes at an exciting time for fans of The Wizard of Oz, especially with the release of Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the 2024 film Wicked. The new movie continues the origin story of the witches of Oz, featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The first film’s soundtrack was recently nominated for four Grammys, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the song “Defying Gravity.”
Additional Items Up for Bid
In addition to the hat, Heritage Auctions will also be offering several other memorabilia items from The Wizard of Oz. These include an organza blouse worn by Judy Garland on screen, as well as a signed copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book that includes Toto’s actual paw prints. The book was gifted to the daughter of Garland’s on-set tutor at the time.
Two different versions of Dorothy’s ruby slippers will also be auctioned. One pair consists of a right-foot shoe worn by Garland during rehearsals, adorned with crimson-burgundy glass bugle beads. The other is a replica of the ruby slippers made by Western Costume Company for the film’s 50th anniversary. According to Maddalena, these replicas are “as close as you’re ever going to get to owning a pair of ruby slippers that weren’t screen-used.”
A Legacy of Hollywood Treasures
Heritage Auctions, known for its high-profile sales, previously sold a pair of ruby slippers from the film for a record-shattering $32.5 million (€30.5 million). The upcoming auction, scheduled for 9 and 10 December, will take place both online and at the company’s Dallas headquarters.
The release of Wicked: For Good marks the conclusion of the origin story of the witches of Oz. The film is set to debut worldwide on 19, 20, and 21 November, depending on the territory. Fans can look forward to a continuation of the magical world created in the original film, while collectors will have the chance to own a piece of cinematic history through the auction of these iconic items.