A Historic Sled Makes History at Auction
A long-lost piece of cinematic history has recently made headlines after being sold for nearly $15 million. The iconic “Rosebud” sled from the 1941 film Citizen Kane was auctioned off on Wednesday, July 16, by Heritage Auctions. This sale was part of a four-day entertainment auction in Dallas, where the sled fetched an impressive $14.75 million.
This price makes the Rosebud sled the second most valuable movie prop ever sold, just behind Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which were purchased for $32.5 million in December 2024. The Rosebud sled is not only a symbol of one of the greatest films in cinematic history but also a rare artifact that has captivated fans and collectors alike.
The Journey of the Rosebud Sled
The sled once belonged to Joe Dante, the director of Gremlins. It was one of only three known sleds from the classic Orson Welles film. The discovery of the Rosebud sled in 1984 occurred while Dante was filming on the former RKO Pictures lot. According to a news release, Dante expressed his deep connection to the prop: “I’ve had the honor of protecting this piece of cinematic history for decades. To see Rosebud find a new home — and make history in the process — is both surreal and deeply gratifying.”
Dante worked to preserve the sled for decades, even incorporating it into several of his own films, such as Explorers, The ‘Burbs, and Gremlins 2: The New Batch. He also used it in an episode of the 1991-93 NBC series Eerie, Indiana.
The Significance of the Sled
Scientific testing commissioned by Dante confirmed that the wood predates atomic bomb testing and matches the pine used in another authenticated sled. This verification adds to the historical value of the prop. In 1982, legendary director Steven Spielberg purchased one of the other verified sleds for $60,500, while the other was sold to an anonymous buyer in 1996 for $233,500.
Heritage Auctions’ executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, emphasized the importance of the event: “This is not just the most important entertainment event we’ve ever held — it’s one of the most important in entertainment auction history.” He added, “These aren’t just props. They’re mythic objects. They tell the story of Hollywood’s greatest moments, one piece at a time, each tied to a memory, a performance, a legend.”
The Origin Story of the Sled
The origin story of the Rosebud sled is almost as dramatic as the film itself. A crew member initially planned to throw the prop away while clearing storage areas. However, the sled was offered to Dante, who took it upon himself to preserve it for decades. His dedication to the prop highlights its significance not only as a movie item but as a cultural artifact.
The auction listing described the prop as unrestored, featuring original red paint, stenciled lettering, signs of production wear, and rope still threaded through the runners. Nail holes suggest the sled’s metal rails were removed during World War II scrap drives.
Experts believe the sled and another version were used during a pivotal flashback scene where young Charles Foster Kane plays in the snow before learning he will be taken from his family. This scene is one of the most memorable in the film, further cementing the Rosebud sled’s place in cinematic history.
A Legacy Preserved
With its recent sale, the Rosebud sled has found a new home and continues to inspire future generations. Its journey from obscurity to the auction block reflects the enduring power of storytelling and the lasting impact of cinema. As collectors and institutions take possession of this historic artifact, they ensure that the legacy of Citizen Kane and its iconic sled will be preserved for years to come.