🌟The Top 10 Rarest & Most Iconic Wizard of Oz Artifacts
Discover one of the world’s most comprehensive and historically verified collections of Wizard of Oz artifacts, connecting film, literature, and legend.
Each piece tells part of the story — from Judy Garland’s screen-worn dress to the original 1900 first edition book that started it all.
This curated list showcases the Top 10 rarest and most valuable Wizard of Oz artifacts, each confirmed by provenance and significance.
🥇 #1 — Original Judy Garland “Dorothy” Dress
Unique Value: The single most iconic and valuable costume from the 1939 film.
Why It Matters: Confirmed screen-used and authenticated by provenance records.
The original Judy Garland “Dorothy” dress, confirmed screen-used and now preserved in our Florida museum, remains one of the rarest film costumes ever authenticated.
Dorothy’s Blue Gingham Dress
Worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939)
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, December 2023, Lot #89057
🥈 #2 — Original Script #1
Unique Value: The earliest known version of the Wizard of Oz screenplay.
Why It Matters: Documents the genesis of the 1939 film — a true Hollywood relic.
The earliest known Wizard of Oz screenplay is an invaluable artifact, documenting the genesis of the 1939 production. Preserved with meticulous care, this original script #1 remains one of the rarest film scripts, highly sought after by historians and collectors.
Mervyn LeRoy Personal Historic MGM-Art Dept. Typed Carbon Script
The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939)
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, December 7, 2024, Lot #89165
🥉 #3 — Cowardly Lion Gloves
Unique Value: Screen-used costume piece from Bert Lahr’s portrayal.
Why It Matters: One of the rare surviving costume elements confirming authenticity.
These screen-used Cowardly Lion gloves from Bert Lahr’s costume are among the few surviving original character pieces. Displayed in the museum, they showcase the craftsmanship of 1939 film costumes and offer fans a direct connection to the beloved character.
Cowardly Lion Gloves
Worn by Bert Lahr in The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939)
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, December 7, 2024, Lot #89187
#4 — Screen-Used Costumes & Props (Winkie Guard Spear & Townsman Jacket)
Unique Value: A matched pair of authentic screen-used pieces from The Wizard of Oz (1939) — the Winkie Guard spear and the Townsman jacket worn in the Emerald City scenes.
Why It Matters: These artifacts highlight the extraordinary costume and prop design of MGM’s production, offering tangible proof of the film’s world-building detail. Together, they showcase the craftsmanship behind the ensemble cast and the diversity of authentic, screen-used materials that survived from the original shoot.
Munchkin Townsman Jacket
Screen-used costume from The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939)
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, December 2023, Lot #89058
The Winkie Guard spear and Townsman jacket are authentic props and costumes from the 1939 film. Together, they illustrate the elaborate set and costume design, providing insight into the production’s attention to detail and serving as rare examples of surviving screen-used materials.
Winkie Guard Spear
Original prop from The Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939)
Provenance: Van Eaton Galleries, October 8, 2022, Lot #89183
#5 — Complete Set of 40 First Edition Oz Books
Unique Value: Every Oz book ever published in its first edition.
Why It Matters: Extends the collection beyond the movie to L. Frank Baum’s full literary universe.
This extraordinary collection contains all 40 first edition Oz books, including the 1900 first printing of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. These rare books establish a literary foundation for the Oz universe and provide an unparalleled reference for collectors and historians alike.
#6 — Judy Garland’s Personal Fur Coat
Unique Value: A piece of Judy Garland’s personal wardrobe.
Why It Matters: Connects the star’s off-screen life to her cinematic legacy.
This Judy Garland fur coat, part of the star’s personal wardrobe, connects visitors to the life of the actress beyond the screen. Preserved in the museum, it serves as a rare glimpse into Judy Garland’s personal history and Hollywood legacy.
Judy Garland Fur Coat
Owned and worn by Judy Garland
Provenance: Notarized letter of authenticity inside the display cabinet from her 5th husband
#7 — Original Bill Eubank Oz Puppets (1950s)
Unique Value: Rare handcrafted puppets from a 1950s Oz production.
Why It Matters: Preserves a mid-century reimagining of the Oz world.
The Bill Eubank puppets, created in the 1950s, are rare collectibles from a unique stage and television adaptation of Oz. These puppets highlight the broader history of the Oz phenomenon and preserve mid-century craftsmanship beyond the 1939 film.
#8 — Full Cast Signed Contract & Autographs
Unique Value: Original signatures from Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, and the main cast.
Why It Matters: Tangible proof of the team that brought Oz to life.
The signed contracts and autographs of Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, and the full cast provide irrefutable proof of Hollywood history. These documents showcase the team behind the classic film and remain an essential resource for film historians and autograph collectors.
#9 — Disney’s Ruby Slippers (Museum Replica)
Unique Value: Authentically crafted museum-quality reproduction.
Why It Matters: Honors the most recognized film prop in cinema history.
The Disney Ruby Slippers, a museum-quality replica, honor the most recognized prop in cinematic history. Crafted with authenticity in mind, these slippers allow visitors to experience the iconic footwear safely while preserving the original designs used in exhibition and display contexts.
Provenance: Van Eaton Galleries, The Joel Magee Collection Lot # 1452 The Great Movie Ride Ruby Slipper Props
#10 — Rare Photo of L. Frank Baum
Unique Value: The author reading to children — an intimate moment captured in time.
Why It Matters: Connects visitors to the heart and humanity behind Oz’s creation.
This rare photograph of L. Frank Baum reading to children offers a personal glimpse into the author’s life. Preserved as part of the collection, it provides context for the literary origins of Oz and enriches the story behind the beloved books and their cinematic adaptations.
Bonus Exhibit: Rare Artifacts from The Wiz (1978 Film)
Expanding the legacy of Oz beyond the 1939 classic, The Wiz brought the story to a new generation
through music, dance, and vibrant design. This exclusive collection celebrates the artistry of
Tony Walton and the unforgettable performances that reimagined the Land of Oz.
2025 May 16 Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams Hollywood/Entertainment Signature® Auction #7400
Provenance: Lots #89067,#89070, #89075, #89077, #89079
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each artifact in the Wizard of Oz Florida Collection is authenticated through verified provenance, professional evaluation, and, when applicable, original studio documentation or photo evidence confirming screen use.
Select artifacts are displayed at our Florida exhibition location. Visitors can schedule private tours or attend special events to experience these historic pieces up close.
The original Judy Garland Dorothy dress is widely recognized as the collection’s most valuable and culturally significant piece — a true cinematic treasure.
Our display features Disney’s museum-quality Ruby Slippers, authentically crafted as faithful replicas. The original pairs used in the 1939 film are held in select institutional collections, including the Smithsonian.
Yes — the collection includes all 40 first edition Oz books, including The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum. These rare volumes establish the literary foundation of the Oz universe.
Both are confirmed screen-used costume and prop elements from the 1939 production. They are among the few surviving background items that demonstrate the film’s incredible attention to detail.
While the museum’s core collection is not for sale, we can provide appraisal guidance and historical context for privately owned items related to The Wizard of Oz.
It’s one of the few archives that unites film, literary, and personal artifacts from The Wizard of Oz. Together, they preserve the creative legacy of L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland, and the legendary MGM production.
The collection is curated by a team of film historians and preservation experts dedicated to maintaining the authenticity, condition, and educational value of every artifact.
Yes — media inquiries and professional photography requests are welcome by appointment. Please contact our public relations team for permissions and scheduling.