Iconic "Rosebud" Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches $14.75 Million at Auction

The Rosebud sled, pivotal to Citizen Kane's plot, was recently auctioned for $14.75 million, marking it as one of the most valuable film props in history. Originally saved by director Joe Dante, the sled's significance extends beyond its monetary value, symbolizing Hollywood's rich cinematic heritage.

The Rosebud sled, a prop that plays a crucial role in the acclaimed opening scene of Citizen Kane—often hailed as one of the greatest films in cinematic history—has been auctioned for an impressive $14.75 million (£11 million). This wooden sled is one of only three known to exist, and its existence was thought to be lost until it was gifted to director Joe Dante in 1984, ensuring its preservation and saving it from destruction.

Following its auction, it now stands as the second most expensive piece of movie memorabilia ever sold; notably, a pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz previously fetched $32 million (£23.9 million) in December. Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, remarked that the Rosebud sled, alongside Dorothy’s ruby slippers, ranks among the most iconic objects in Hollywood lore. While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, the sale underscores the lasting impact of Citizen Kane on film history.

The name "Rosebud" holds profound significance in the narrative of Citizen Kane, a film released in 1941 that explores the complexities of its main character's life. Over the years, other replicas of the sled have been sold, including one to renowned director Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

This particular sled had not been on public view for years until it was rediscovered by Dante while working on the film Explorers, produced at the historic RKO Radio Pictures studio. Upon learning of its availability, Dante, a fervent admirer of Citizen Kane, eagerly accepted the offer to acquire the sled. He articulated how owning such a pivotal artifact from a cinematic masterpiece carries immense significance for any director, particularly one that symbolizes a central theme in Kane’s complex life.

The auction highlights the ongoing demand for film memorabilia and the reverence it holds within the industry and among fans, who recognize the cultural and historical value these objects represent.