Ruby red slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in the classic film The Wizard of Oz will be auctioned next month, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.

Heritage Auctions showcased the magical shoes in London before they went under the hammer in Dallas on December 7, with predictions they could sell for up to $3 million.

“They’re iconic like no other,” Nikki Hale, special projects manager at Heritage, told AFP of the statement, sequined pumps decorated with bows.

“The Wizard of Oz has truly stood the test of time as a cult classic and iconic film that people all over the world know what The Wizard of Oz Is.”

“You see her when she walks home in the heels. You see her as she begins her adventure, walking through Munchkinland,” Hale added. “They are absolutely the Holy Grail when it comes to movie memorabilia.”

Only four pairs made for the 1939 film remain, and the examples for sale have belonged to a collector since 1970.

They were kept at the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, until they mysteriously disappeared in 2005.

Despite a six-figure reward and the involvement of the FBI, it took until 2018 for them to finally be tracked down.

“They were recovered and apparently buried underground in a Tupperware (box),” Hale said.

The perpetrator of the theft, Terry Martin, admitted taking them and said he did so because he believed they were set with real rubies.

The now 76-year-old was given a suspended sentence in January this year.

More memorabilia from The Wizard of Oz Also for sale are Garland’s wigs, movie posters and photographs, as well as other items such as a wooden game board Jumanji with Robin Williams.