This unique piece of film history, long lost and rediscovered in the 1980s, highlights the cultural significance of memorabilia in Hollywood, joining the ranks of items like Dorothy's ruby slippers.
Historic ‘Rosebud’ Sled from Citizen Kane Auctioned for $14.75 Million
Historic ‘Rosebud’ Sled from Citizen Kane Auctioned for $14.75 Million
The iconic sled featured in the legendary film Citizen Kane has been saved from destruction and sold for a staggering $14.75 million.
The ‘Rosebud’ sled, a pivotal prop from Orson Welles’ 1941 classic Citizen Kane, has fetched a remarkable $14.75 million (£11 million) at auction, making it one of the most valuable pieces of film memorabilia ever sold. The wooden sled, believed to be one of only three remaining, was rescued from potential destruction after being given to director Joe Dante in 1984. Dante, a lifelong fan of the film, subsequently used the sled as an homage in several of his own projects, including Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
This auction marks a significant moment not just for film collectors but for cinematic history. As Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, remarked, the Rosebud sled stands alongside Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz—both are icons that have become symbols of Hollywood's golden era.
The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, but the sale has reignited interest in the significance of memorabilia within the film industry. Previous iterations of the Rosebud sled have been sold, one notably to director Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Dante recounted the moment he first learned about the sled while working on Explorers, revealing how a crew member offered it to him while clearing storage rooms. Overwhelmed with excitement, Dante accepted, understanding the profound role the sled plays as a emblematic part of cinema's narrative tapestry.
"Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story—it's the heart of the plot and the focal point of Kane's mysterious life," Dante shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of owning such a critical piece of cinematic art.
The auction serves as a reminder of how artworks, even in their physical forms, carry the story of culture, history, and artistic expression, reinforcing the value of preserving such treasures for future generations to appreciate.
