Heritage Auctions is set to sell the black hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, along with other rare “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia.
According to a report from THE WASHINGTON TIMES, the black hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” is going up for auction at Heritage Auctions. The sale coincides with the release of “Wicked: For Good.”
The wool hat, designed by costume designer Adrian Adolph Greenburg—professionally known as Gilbert Adrian—stands nearly 14 inches high with a 19.5-inch brim and features a 22-inch elastic chin strap used during flying scenes. It replaced an earlier version deemed not frightening 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.”
The auction will take place December 9–10 both online and at Heritage’s Dallas headquarters. Also featured are a Wizard of Oz book signed by Judy Garland and other cast members, including Toto’s paw prints, and two pairs of ruby slippers — one worn in rehearsals and another replica made for the film’s 50th anniversary.
Last year, Heritage sold another pair of ruby slippers for $28 million.