Iconic Hat from 'The Wizard of Oz' Wicked Witch Heads to Auction Block

A piece of Hollywood history is about to cast its spell once again. Collectors are buzzing as the famous black hat that Margaret Hamilton wore in 'The Wizard of Oz' as the Wicked Witch of the West is set to go up for auction this December. One of the most iconic film props in history, the pointed hat has come to represent both the 1939 fantasy masterpiece and the enduring influence of the person wearing it. 

With the upcoming release of 'Wicked: For Good'—a star-studded retelling of the witches' origin story—interest in Oz memorabilia has reignited across generations. Now, almost 80 years after the Wicked Witch melted on film and Dorothy won our hearts, the hat that helped define evil elegance could find a new owner willing to pay a small fortune for a slice of movie magic.

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

The Witch, the Hat, and A Legacy that Endures

The iconic MGM costume designer Gilbert Adrian, whose vision influenced the appearance of The Wizard of Oz's colorful array of characters, had designed the black wool hat. Standing nearly 14 inches tall with a 19.5-inch brim, the hat's silhouette has become a cultural shorthand for witchcraft itself. Throughout her iconic portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West, one of Hollywood's most lasting villains, Margaret Hamilton wore it, giving the role a sense of humour, danger, and unexpected compassion.

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As auction curator Joe Maddalena of Heritage Auctions explained, "When Dorothy becomes Dorothy of Oz, and when the Wicked Witch becomes the Wicked Witch, she puts on the hat." The piece marks that moment of transformation, both in the story and in film history. One of the most iconic performances in American film history is Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch. Her green skin, piercing cackling, and snarling, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!" made her a representation of childhood terror and movie villainy for generations.

Image Courtesy: Antique Trader

However, her persona has changed over the years, going from dreadful antagonist to misinterpreted antihero, particularly in the wake of 'Wicked,' the Broadway hit that changed her story. The upcoming 'Wicked: For Good film,' starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, is set to continue this legacy, adding modern depth to a character first brought to life through Hamilton's unforgettable performance.

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Auction Details and Renewed Oz Mania

The famous hat will hit the auction block at Heritage Auctions on 9th and 10th December, at the company's Dallas headquarters and online. Along with other rare Wizard of Oz relics, such as a ruby slipper prototype that Judy Garland wore during rehearsals, an autographed cast edition of L. Frank Baum's book, and even Toto's paw prints signed by the dog star's trainer, is also expected to fetch a six-figure price. Collectors are viewing the sale as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a tangible piece of Hollywood's golden age. 

Image Courtesy: Deadline

The timing of the auction is no coincidence. With 'Wicked: For Good' reigniting global fascination with the witches of Oz, demand for memorabilia tied to the original 1939 film has soared. With several Academy Awards and a lasting place in cultural history, Victor Fleming's 'The Wizard of Oz,' which starred Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley, is still regarded as one of the most cherished movies ever made. From its groundbreaking use of Technicolor to its classic soundtrack ('Somewhere Over the Rainbow'), the movie never fails to captivate viewers worldwide.

Image Courtesy: Salon.com

In addition to celebrating the creativity of MGM's production and costume design, this next auction will pay tribute to a heritage that is still evolving over 85 years later. The Wicked Witch's hat is now more than simply a prop; it represents creativity, metamorphosis, and the timeless power of narrative. As collectors prepare to bid, one thing is certain: somewhere over the rainbow, a little piece of movie history is about to find a new home.

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