Iconic 'Rosebud' Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches $14.75 Million at Auction

The Rosebud sled from the classic film Citizen Kane has been auctioned for an impressive $14.75 million. This prop, saved in 1984 by director Joe Dante, is now among the most valuable film memorabilia in history, highlighting its significant place in cinema.

A coveted piece of film history, the Rosebud sled from the timeless classic Citizen Kane, was auctioned for an extraordinary $14.75 million (£11 million) recently, further solidifying its iconic status in Hollywood memorabilia. This wooden sled, known for being central to the film's celebrated opening scene, is one of only three believed to still exist. Its value skyrocketed after it was rescued from destruction several decades ago.

Originally thought lost, the sled was saved when director Joe Dante received it in 1984 while making his film Explorers. Working at the former studio of RKO Radio Pictures, which produced Citizen Kane, Dante discovered the sled when a crew member offered it to him. "I was astonished. Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it,'" he recounted to Heritage Auctions. Later, he used the sled as an Easter egg in films like Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, highlighted the immense significance of the sled, comparing it to Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which sold for a whopping $32 million (£23.9 million) in December. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to this high-profile auction.

Rosebud's symbolic importance in the plot of Citizen Kane, released in 1941, is undeniable, representing the heart of the character Charles Foster Kane's dramatic life. The high sale price of the sled secures its place as the second most expensive piece of film memorabilia ever sold, which reflects the cultural impact and lasting legacy of Orson Welles’ masterpiece.