Margaret Hamilton "Wicked Witch of the West" Hourglass from The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939). ...

Description

The Wicked Witch of the West Hourglass -- the Most Famous and Recognizable Timepiece in Film History.

Margaret Hamilton "Wicked Witch of the West" Hourglass from The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939). "Do you see that [the hourglass]? That's how much longer you've got to be alive! And it isn't long, my pretty! It isn't long! I can't wait forever to get those shoes!"

From what is regarded as "the best loved motion picture of all time," the Witch's Hourglass remains as the most recognizable signature prop from the film, in addition to being a crucial plot-driving device. The scenes at the Witch's Castle, where the Hourglass is used, are among the most memorable in the film. After Dorothy (Judy Garland) is captured from the Haunted Forest, the winged monkeys bring her to the Wicked Witch, who holds the hourglass and exclaims, "You see that [the hourglass]? That's how much longer you've got to be alive! And it isn't long, my pretty! it isn't long! I can't wait forever to get those shoes!"

From this moment forward, the pace of the film quickens, as Dorothy's three friends race against time to save her from the Wicked Witch of the West. Periodic closeups of the Hourglass remind the audience of how little time remains before Dorothy's demise. When the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion finally reach the castle tower where Dorothy is held captive, they break down the door as Dorothy cries out, "Oh, hurry, please hurry! The hourglass is almost empty!" While making their escape, our four heroes are cornered by the Winkie Guards. From the balcony above, the Wicked Witch asks, "Going so soon? I wouldn't hear of it. Why, my little party is just beginning." The Witch then holds the hourglass above her head and throws it. At this point, the camera cuts to a different "stunt" Hourglass that is guided to the stage floor by wires and bursts into a cloud of flame and smoke. As with any signature prop from a major studio production, multiple versions of the Hourglass were created, including a resin and wood version, as well as lighter versions crafted of wood and papier-mâché, like this example, which was used for the epic, climactic sequence when the Wicked Witch of the West holds the Hourglass above her head in defiance of our heroes.

Measuring 20" tall x 11.5" wide, the Gothic frame is expertly crafted by studio artisans of wood and papier-mâché with winged gargoyles perched atop three spiraled columns. The glass element is crafted of hand-blown glass filled with red glitter (added later for display, as the glitter does not flow through the narrow neck of the glass). Following its use on The Wizard of Oz, MGM used this famous Hourglass in subsequent productions, including Babes on Broadway (1941), Diane (1956), and 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964). Hourglass frame is asymmetrical and exhibits expected age and wear from production use, including scuffing and cracking to paint on the gargoyle pillars as well as scuffing, wear with some wood loss on the knobs on both bases (top and bottom). There is evidence of studio repair, including pegs installed to secure the gargoyle ears to the base. This incredibly famous film artifact presents beautifully and has been featured in three museum exhibitions: Los Angeles Public Library's Getty Gallery (2000); Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine (2014), and Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa (2016).

Provenance: 1970 MGM David Weisz Auction; later sold by Camden House Auctioneers Vintage Film Posters & Entertainment Memorabilia sale, June 6-7, 1992, lot 510.

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