LONDON – The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.

Ruby slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in classic film "The Wizard of Oz" will be sold at auction next month, nearly 20 years after they were stolen."'The Wizard of Oz' really stands the test of time as a cult classic,

The ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" have become nearly as iconic as the film itself. But in the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway hit "Wicked," sharp-eyed fans noticed a shift: Nessarose's magical shoes are silver instead of ruby red.

Costume designer Paul Tazewell tells PEOPLE that he pulled inspiration from L. Frank Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz'

Costume designer Paul Tazewell explains the inspiration behind his new design, adorned with more than 1,000 crystals.

Think those legendary ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are making a comeback in the new Wicked movie? Think again. In a dazzling twist, Dorothy’s famous footwear has undergone a striking metamorphosis,

Ruby slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in classic film "The Wizard of Oz" will be sold at auction next month, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.

For over 80 years, the shoes in question have been the ruby slippers from the 1939 adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. But don't expect to see those scarlet pumps in Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz telling the tale of the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz remain the most iconic pair of footwear in cinema history. The shoes, worn by Judy Garland in the original 1939 film, have been auctioned off for astronomical prices several times over the last eight decades.