Seventy-one years after its initial release, time has only added to the classic status of MGM's 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.
Unbelievably, the film wasn't a commercial success at first. But years of televised screenings and its wildly popular songs, including Over the Rainbow, have seen it become one of the most-loved films ever made.
Of course, with classic films come classic memorabilia items. Oz artefacts currently on the market include this rare "Oz" title card from the film's re-release in 1949.
Many collectors consider the 1949 cards superior to the 1939 originals - the former featuring better colours, and more spectacular artwork and graphics.
This has also been proven on the collectors market, which has seen a number of the 1949 title cards sell for record prices, valued more highly than the 1939 cards.
 1949 title cards, like this one, often sell for more than 1939 examples |
An example sold at Heritage Auction Galleries in March 2008, for a wonderful $7,200, while another sold for $4,200.
This particular example of a 1949 card is currently on the market and available collectors, priced $4,900.
For collectors and investors alike, there is a lot of money in Wizard of Oz memorabilia. An original pair of ruby slippers can bring more than £400,000 at auction.
And Wizard of Oz film posters have left the auction block priced at £3,000.
One collector who may be interested in this 1949 title card is Adele Morris, owner of Britain's largest collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia - unless she has one already, that is.
In this fascinating interview, Adele - a former associate of the film's star, Judy Garland - discusses her personal love of Oz memorabilia, and why she is motivated to collect.
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