The Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane has been sold for almost $15 million, marking it as the second most expensive film prop ever sold.
Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches $14.75 Million at Auction
Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches $14.75 Million at Auction
The legendary sled, pivotal to the plot of the classic film, is now one of the most valuable pieces of cinematic memorabilia.
One of the most celebrated props in film history, the Rosebud sled from the iconic movie Citizen Kane, has been sold at auction for a staggering $14.75 million (£11 million). Known as one of just three surviving sleds from the film, its fate had been uncertain until it was preserved by director Joe Dante in 1984. Dante rescued the sled from potential destruction and later featured it as a nostalgic reference in his films, including Gremlins 2: The New Batch. This sale positions the Rosebud sled as the second-highest auction price for movie memorabilia, just behind the famous ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which sold for $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.
Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, remarked on the cultural significance of the sled, stating, “Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history.” The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed. The sled is deeply woven into the narrative of Citizen Kane, a 1941 classic that is often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.
Prior to this auction, other Rosebud sleds have changed hands, including one purchased by famed director Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. This particular sled had been largely unseen until Dante came across it while filming Explorers in 1984, during which he was on the site of the former RKO Radio Pictures lot, the studio that produced Citizen Kane.
Dante recounted his surprise at being offered the sled, expressing his longtime affection for the film. He stated, "Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it.'" He further added, "Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story – the whole heart of the plot and the focal point of the mysterious drama in Kane's life." The sale of this iconic prop underscores its lasting impact in the film industry and its significance in cinematic history.
