Posted on 11/11/2025 4:40:18 PM PST by Libloather
Some lucky millionaire will be able to own a key piece of the Wicked Witch of the West — for good.
That’s because the iconic hat worn by Margaret Hamilton in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz is going up for auction on Dec. 9. Offered by Heritage Auctions — which last year sold a pair of ruby slippers from the film for $28 million — that hat comes up for sale just as Wicked: For Good, which brings to an end a revisionist telling of the witch’s backstory (played by Cynthia Erivo in the Wicked films), hits theaters ahead of Thanksgiving.
The black wool hat measures 14 inches high with a 19.5-inch diameter brim. It also retains the 22-inch elastic chin strap tied around Hamilton’s jaw to keep it secure during the flying broomstick scenes.
The costume was designed by Adrian Adolph Greenburg, who went by Gilbert Adrian professionally, and became the one used in the film after an original was deemed not menacing enough.
"When Dorothy Gale becomes Dorothy of Oz, it’s when she puts on the ruby slippers,” says Joe Maddalena, executive vp 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 hat is one of several Oz items hitting the block. Also available are a copy of L. Frank Baum’s original The Wizard of Oz book signed and inscribed by Judy Garland as well as autographed by other cast members, including Toto’s actual paw prints. (The book was originally a gift to the daughter of Garland’s onset tutor.)
(Excerpt) Read more at hollywoodreporter.com ...
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Lindsey Graham already has his bid submitted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBlPbZZh5u0
Margaret Hamilton made an appearance on Mr. Rogers. Fantastic short interview.
What about her Maxwell House coffee, and the last drop that wasn’t good?
That green makeup made Margaret sick, and the silver paint almost killed Jed Clampet.
Man, Hollywood in ‘38: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.
Todays actors are poosies.
I wouldn’t want to own anything original. I would just be inclined to create replicas. It is the same to me.
Will retiring Witch of D.C. Nazi Pelosi bid on it?
Aren’t the ruby slippers in the Smithsonian? In the book they were silver.
Every member of the San Francisco Gay Mens Choir wanted to be be Glenda.
Yes, I was Choir Master.
Wow... didn’t know that one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUnNDEygBjA
Good ‘to’ the last drop. I was always wondering what was wrong with the last drop that it wasn’t good including the last drop.
Soon there will be these hats for sale on eBay. Real original Oz witch hats. Only $9,995.
There are four pairs. The Smithsonian has one, two are in museums, and one is in private hands.
I was in Disney World when Trump beat Hillary. The next day we went on The Great Movie Ride. When we got to the Wizzard of OZ scene, I screamed along to ,” ding, long the witch is dead l” at the top of my lungs. She was very liberal , and gave me the dirtiest look. 🤣🤣🤣
My late Mom did.
^5, that’s great!
Nancy Pelosi has the means to outbid Linda.
Lol! This is even better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UsrZSA3PPM
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