Wicked Witch hat from 'Wizard of Oz' to be auctioned in December

Published: Monday, November 10, 2025 at 5:25 pm

Wicked Witch Hat from "Wizard of Oz" to be Auctioned

A piece of cinematic history is heading to auction next month. The iconic black wool hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz" will be auctioned off on December 9th and 10th. The hat, crafted from black wool bunting, stands approximately 14 inches tall and boasts a 19-inch diameter. It also features a 22-inch chinstrap.

The auction is being conducted by Heritage Auctions. According to a press release, the hat is a highly recognizable symbol of Hollywood history. The auction house's executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, stated that the hat represents not only one of cinema's most memorable villains but also the artistry and storytelling that made "The Wizard of Oz" a cornerstone of film.

The auction follows the sale of Judy Garland's ruby slippers, which fetched nearly $2 million at a previous auction. Other items related to "The Wizard of Oz" will also be available, including a signed copy of the book and one of Garland's rehearsal slippers. The starting bid for the Wicked Witch's hat is set at $100,000.

This auction coincides with the upcoming release of the film "Wicked: For Good," which opens in theaters on November 21st. The new film features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the character who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. "Wicked" is based on the Gregory Maguire novel that provides an origin story for the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good.

BNN's Perspective: The auction of this iconic hat is a fascinating event, highlighting the enduring legacy of "The Wizard of Oz" and the continued interest in classic Hollywood memorabilia. While the starting bid is substantial, the hat's historical significance and cultural impact make it a potentially valuable investment for collectors. The timing of the auction, coinciding with the release of the "Wicked" film, is a clever marketing move that is likely to generate even more interest in the item.

Keywords: Wicked Witch hat, Wizard of Oz, Margaret Hamilton, auction, Hollywood, Heritage Auctions, Judy Garland, ruby slippers, cinema, film, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo, Elphaba, Gregory Maguire, memorabilia

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