This sale marks the second-highest price ever paid for a piece of movie memorabilia, underscoring the cultural significance of the film.
**Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches Nearly $15 Million at Auction**
**Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches Nearly $15 Million at Auction**
A celebrated film prop, integral to Citizen Kane, has changed hands for an astonishing sum.
In a significant auction event, a wooden sled known as "Rosebud," from the revered film Citizen Kane, was sold for a remarkable $14.75 million (£11 million). This iconic prop, central to the movie's famed opening scene, is one of only three known to have survived the passage of time. Initially thought to have been lost, the sled was saved by director Joe Dante in 1984, who later showcased it as an Easter egg in his films, including Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
According to Joe Maddalena from Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale, "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history." This sale now ranks as the second-most expensive piece of film memorabilia, following the record-breaking sale of a pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which netted $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.
While the identity of the Rosebud sled's new owner remains undisclosed, its journey back into the limelight has sparked renewed interest in the classic film. The name "Rosebud" is emblematic of Citizen Kane's plot, released in 1941, underscoring its pivotal role in the story's heart.
Dante recalls the moment he acquired the sled, highlighting the serendipity of his discovery while working on his film Explorers at the RKO Radio Pictures lot, where Citizen Kane was originally produced. "I was astonished... Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it,'" he said, expressing the deep personal meaning of owning such a significant piece of cinematic history.
This auction also follows other notable film-related sales, including a violin prop from Titanic, currently up for auction. As collectors and fans continue to celebrate the legacy of classic cinema, the Rosebud sled stands as a timeless reminder of the art and storytelling that define the industry.
According to Joe Maddalena from Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale, "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history." This sale now ranks as the second-most expensive piece of film memorabilia, following the record-breaking sale of a pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which netted $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.
While the identity of the Rosebud sled's new owner remains undisclosed, its journey back into the limelight has sparked renewed interest in the classic film. The name "Rosebud" is emblematic of Citizen Kane's plot, released in 1941, underscoring its pivotal role in the story's heart.
Dante recalls the moment he acquired the sled, highlighting the serendipity of his discovery while working on his film Explorers at the RKO Radio Pictures lot, where Citizen Kane was originally produced. "I was astonished... Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it,'" he said, expressing the deep personal meaning of owning such a significant piece of cinematic history.
This auction also follows other notable film-related sales, including a violin prop from Titanic, currently up for auction. As collectors and fans continue to celebrate the legacy of classic cinema, the Rosebud sled stands as a timeless reminder of the art and storytelling that define the industry.
