The auction of the Rosebud sled, a pivotal artifact from Citizen Kane, has achieved a stunning price of $14.75 million, spotlighting its importance in film history and collectibles.
**Iconic 'Rosebud' Sled from Citizen Kane Auctioned for $14.75 Million**
**Iconic 'Rosebud' Sled from Citizen Kane Auctioned for $14.75 Million**
A crucial prop from the film Citizen Kane garners a remarkable auction price, emphasizing its cinematic significance.
The iconic Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, one of the greatest films of all time, has recently been auctioned for an impressive $14.75 million (£11 million). This unique wooden piece, considered central to the film's opening scene, is one of only a few that survived the decades. Interestingly, this specific sled was believed lost until director Joe Dante obtained it in 1984, rescuing it from potential destruction. Dante, who referenced the sled in several of his films including Gremlins 2, emphasized the emotional weight of owning a prop connected to such a quintessential cinematic treasure.
"The Rosebud sled, alongside Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, signifies some of Hollywood's most iconic artifacts," stated Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale. While the buyer's identity remains undisclosed, the sale marks it as one of the most valuable memorabilia pieces, second only to the ruby slippers that fetched $32 million last December.
Dante's acquisition tale is fascinating; while filming Explorers in 1984 at the former RKO Radio Pictures studio—where Citizen Kane was produced—a worker offered him the sled from a clear-out of storage. Overwhelmed with nostalgia for the classic film, he eagerly accepted the artifact that is entwined with the film's narrative. "Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story," he remarked, highlighting its importance to cinema history.
"The Rosebud sled, alongside Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, signifies some of Hollywood's most iconic artifacts," stated Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale. While the buyer's identity remains undisclosed, the sale marks it as one of the most valuable memorabilia pieces, second only to the ruby slippers that fetched $32 million last December.
Dante's acquisition tale is fascinating; while filming Explorers in 1984 at the former RKO Radio Pictures studio—where Citizen Kane was produced—a worker offered him the sled from a clear-out of storage. Overwhelmed with nostalgia for the classic film, he eagerly accepted the artifact that is entwined with the film's narrative. "Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story," he remarked, highlighting its importance to cinema history.
