The Wicked Witch’s Hat Takes Flight in Heritage’s December 9-10 Hollywood Auction

Heritage Auctions presents Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch hat from The Wizard of Oz, headlining a collection of rare and remarkable film artifacts from the Land of Oz DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT DALLAS, Texas (Nov. 10, 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 the 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 (MGM, 1939). 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.” The Wicked Witch’s Hat: A Crown of Transformation and Power Designed by legendary MGM costumer Adrian, this vintage black wool bunting hat—with its towering, rear-tilted crown and wide, metal-brimmed structure—was worn by Margaret 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 uniquely 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 transforms from Miss Gulch during Dorothy’s (Judy Garland) 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. 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 Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Clara Blandick and Margaret Hamilton—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’s “Rehearsal Slipper” and Original “Dorothy Gale” Blouse From the esteemed Michael Shaw Collection come two additional treasures. The first, Judy 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 Judy 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. A Letter from Oz’s Creator, L. Frank Baum Adding literary magic to the sale 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. Commemorative Ruby Slippers from Western Costume Co. Rounding out the offerings is a pair of Western Costume Company’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Ruby Slippers, crafted in 1989 using Judy 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,” says Maddalena. “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.” Auction Information The Wizard of Oz collection will headline Heritage Auctions’ Hollywood & Entertainment Signature® Auction, taking place Dec. 9-10 at Heritage’s world headquarters in Dallas and online at HA.com. Images and information about all lots in the auction can be found here, where the auction is now open for bidding. A preview of highlights from the auction takes place at Heritage’s New York City location Nov. 24-Dec. 6. Please go here and scroll down for details. Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Heritage also enjoys the highest Online traffic and dollar volume of any auction house on earth (source: SimilarWeb and Hiscox Report). The Internet's most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has more than 2 million registered bidder-members and searchable free archives of 7,000,000 past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit. For breaking stories, follow us: HA.com/Facebook and HA.com/Twitter . Link to this release or view prior press releases . Hi-Res images available: Christina Rees, Director of Public Relations and Communications 214-409-1341; CRees@HA.com