'Rosebud' Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches Nearly $15 Million at Auction A "Rosebud" sled, a pivotal prop from Orson Welles's seminal 1941 film Citizen Kane, has been sold at auction for $14.75 million (£11 million). The sale marks the second-highest price ever paid for a piece of film memorabilia, highlighting the enduring cultural significance of the movie. The iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz hold the top spot, having sold for $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.

A Piece of Cinema History Resurfaces The wooden sled, one of a handful known to have survived from the film's production, was presumed lost for decades. Its rediscovery and subsequent sale have reignited interest in Citizen Kane and its lasting impact on cinema. The auction was held by Heritage Auctions.

Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, emphasized the sled's importance: "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history," he stated in the auction house's magazine, The Intelligent Collector. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.

From Near Destruction to Storied Ownership The sled's survival is a story in itself. In 1984, director Joe Dante rescued it from destruction while filming Explorers at the former RKO Radio Pictures studio, the same studio that produced Citizen Kane. A crew member, aware of Dante's passion for classic films, offered him the sled during a studio clean-out.

"I was astonished," Dante told Heritage Auctions. "Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it.'" Dante subsequently used the sled as a reference for Easter eggs in his own films, including Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

The Enduring Legacy of Citizen Kane Citizen Kane, a groundbreaking film known for its innovative cinematography and narrative structure, explores the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy and powerful newspaper publisher. The meaning of "Rosebud" is central to the plot, representing a lost innocence and a yearning for a simpler past.

Film historian Dr. Evelyn Hayes, a specialist in American cinema, commented on the sale's significance. "The price reflects not only the object's rarity but also the film's enduring influence," she explained. "Citizen Kane continues to be studied and celebrated for its technical achievements and its complex exploration of themes such as power, memory, and the American Dream. The Rosebud sled is a tangible link to that legacy."

Other Rosebuds and Their Fate Other "Rosebud" sleds created for the film have surfaced over the years. Notably, director Steven Spielberg acquired one and later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Market for Film Memorabilia The sale of the "Rosebud" sled underscores the growing market for film memorabilia. Items associated with iconic films and actors can command significant prices at auction, attracting collectors and investors from around the world. This trend reflects a broader cultural interest in preserving and celebrating cinematic history.

December: Ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz sold for $32 million (£23.9 million). Thursday: Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane sold for $14.75 million (£11 million).

According to art market analyst Alistair Finch, "The value of film memorabilia is driven by a combination of factors, including the film's cultural impact, the item's rarity, and its provenance. Items with a clear connection to key scenes or characters tend to be the most sought after." The Rosebud sled, with its central role in Citizen Kane's narrative, undoubtedly fits this description.

The high price paid for the "Rosebud" sled serves as a testament to the enduring power of cinema and its ability to capture the imagination of audiences across generations. The sled, once destined for destruction, now stands as a valuable artifact, preserving a piece of film history for years to come.