By ALICIA RANCILIO
Updated 5:10 AM PST, November 10, 2025
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Just in time for the theatrical release of *Wicked: For Good*, fans will have a unique opportunity to own memorabilia from the iconic 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz*. Among the items up for auction is one especially witchy piece — the black hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Heritage Auctions is putting this iconic wool hat up for sale. The hat is quite large, measuring nearly 14 inches high with a 19.5-inch diameter brim. It also features a 22-inch elastic chin strap that Hamilton wore during flying scenes to keep the hat secure.
Designed by costume designer Adrian Adolph Greenburg, who professionally went by Gilbert Adrian, the hat was introduced after filming began because the originally chosen hat did not appear scary enough.
“When Dorothy Gale becomes Dorothy of Oz, it’s when she puts on the ruby slippers,” said Joe Maddalena, EVP of Heritage Auctions. “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.”
The auction will take place December 9 and 10, both online and at Heritage Auctions’ headquarters in Dallas.
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Other notable items hitting the auction block include a *The Wizard of Oz* book signed by Judy Garland. The book contains a lengthy inscription from Garland and includes autographs from other main cast members, plus Toto’s actual paw prints. The book was originally gifted to the daughter of Garland’s on-set tutor.
Two different versions of Dorothy’s ruby slippers will also be available. One is a right-foot shoe worn by Garland during rehearsals, adorned with crimson-burgundy glass bugle beads. The second is a replica of the ruby slippers made by Western Costume Company for the film’s 50th anniversary. This replica was crafted using Garland’s original shoe form and features red sequins and rhinestone bows.
“These shoes, are as close as you’re ever going to get to owning a pair of ruby slippers that weren’t screen-used,” said Maddalena.
Additional treasures include a handwritten letter by *Oz* author L. Frank Baum on personal stationery and an organza blouse worn on screen by Garland. The blouse still bears a tag with “Judy Garland” handwritten on the label.
Last year, Heritage sold a different pair of ruby slippers from the film for a staggering $28 million.
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**About the author:**
Alicia Rancilio covers entertainment for The Associated Press, specializing in television through video and text.
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