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

In a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of classic cinema, the Rosebud sled from the iconic film *Citizen Kane* has been sold at auction for $14.75 million (£11 million). This wooden sled, which served as a pivotal prop in the opening scene of the 1941 film, is one of only three known to have survived and was long thought to be lost before being rediscovered by director Joe Dante in 1984.

The auction, conducted by Heritage Auctions, highlighted the sled's significance as a cultural artifact. Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, stated, "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled from *Citizen Kane* is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history" (Maddalena, Heritage Auctions, 2023). The sled's sale marks it as the second most expensive piece of film memorabilia ever sold, trailing only behind the legendary ruby slippers from *The Wizard of Oz*, which fetched $32 million (£23.9 million) in December 2022.

The sled's name, 'Rosebud,' is pivotal to the plot of *Citizen Kane*, symbolizing the protagonist Charles Foster Kane's lost childhood and unfulfilled desires. According to Dr. Richard Smith, a film historian at the University of California, Los Angeles, "The Rosebud sled encapsulates the essence of *Citizen Kane*, making it not just a prop but a crucial narrative device that has fascinated audiences for decades" (Smith, UCLA, 2023).

The sled was initially given to Joe Dante while he was making *Explorers* on the RKO Pictures lot, where *Citizen Kane* was produced. Dante recounted, "I was astonished...Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I’ll be glad to take it'" (Dante, Heritage Auctions, 2023). The sled remained in his possession and served as a reference in his work, appearing as an Easter egg in films like *Gremlins 2: The New Batch*.

Historically, memorabilia from *Citizen Kane* has garnered significant interest among collectors. In the past, another Rosebud sled was sold to famed director Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles (Academy Museum, 2023). The recent auction has reignited discussions about the value of film artifacts, as well as the cultural impact of *Citizen Kane* on cinema.

The identity of the current buyer remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to this landmark sale. The auction of the Rosebud sled not only reflects the financial worth of cinematic history but also serves as a reminder of the narrative power embedded within objects associated with iconic films. As noted by Dr. Emily Robinson, a cultural studies expert at New York University, "The sale of such artifacts illustrates how deeply film culture is intertwined with our collective memory, making these items invaluable to both collectors and historians alike" (Robinson, NYU, 2023).

The implications of this auction extend beyond mere monetary value; they raise questions about the future of film preservation and the role of memorabilia in shaping public perception of cinematic history. As the market for film artifacts continues to grow, it remains to be seen how these sales will influence the preservation of film history and the appreciation of classic cinema in the digital age.