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Heading: “Long-Lost Rubies Come Home: Iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ Slippers Return after FBI Sting”

In a riveting tale, rivaling the over-the-rainbow adventure from “The Wizard of Oz,” one of the lost pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland has been recovered and returned to their rightful owner. A pair of these iconic shoes, symbols of homecoming hope and Hollywood history, were found after a 13-year-long disappearance, finally concluding a caper of theft and deception that enlarged the lore of the ‘Land of Oz.’

In 2005, the slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, vanishing without trace. Michael Shaw, the owner, as well as fans worldwide were left heartbroken. Adding to the enigma surrounding this theft, these cinematic treasures resurfaced in 2018 during a sting operation in Minneapolis. FBI agents have now reunited Shaw, a dedicated Garland aficionado, and his slippers. The moment was likened by Shaw to a “heartfelt reunion with a long-lost friend.”

Subsequent to its reappearance, these much-travelled shoes are set for another whirlwind journey. This time, though, their trip will be perfectly legal. They will be showcased at various locations around the world by Heritage Auctions before being sold. Simultaneously, efforts are being made by the Garland Museum to acquire and display them permanently.

According to the US District Attorney’s Office in North Dakota, two septuagenarian men, Terry Martin and Jerry Hal Saliterman, were individually charged with the theft. Interestingly, it came to light that Martin, who pleaded guilty, may have been under the delusion that these slippers actually bore real rubies, though in reality, they are simply painted red and doused with sequins.

The enduring value of these ruby slippers extends far beyond their estimated $3.5 million worth. As cultural artifacts, connected to what is regularly lauded as one of the greatest films of all time, their relevance is inestimable. There are presently believed to be only four pairs of these ruby slippers in existence, each pair carrying its own unique history.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History houses another pair discovered in a unique mismatch. Both belonged to Garland but were marked with different numbers, suggesting they belonged to two distinct pairs used during production. A third known pair is on display at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ museum. The final known pair is owned by a movie fan who purchased them from a Tennessee woman who had won them in a 1939 contest.

Returning to the recently returned pair, it’s noteworthy that in order to confirm their authenticity, the FBI sent them to the Smithsonian. The result was surprising – the stolen pair precisely matched the mismatched pair originally at the Smithsonian.

As we conclude this news of the prodigal slippers’ return, it’s clear that the return of the famous ruby slippers is more than just a resolved criminal case. It’s an affirmation of the enduring power of cinematics, as well as the vitality of dedicated fan culture. Hollywood artifacts like the ruby slippers are not only items of film history; they embody shared societal dreams and fantasies, literally sparkling with enchanting allure. Yet, perhaps their most enduring magic is their testament to the power of homecomings – as Dorothy herself proclaimed, “there’s no place like home.”