Authentic pair of Ruby Slippers, known as the “Witch’s Shoes” or the “close-up pair,” as seen in MGM’s 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.”

February 22, 2012. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has spearheaded a small group of “angel donors” that also includes Steven Spielberg and Terry Semel and has purchased the most pristine pair of Ruby Slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” They donated the famous pumps to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for their Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

These slippers, known as the “Witch’s Shoes,” are in the most pristine condition of the four pairs of ruby slippers known to exist. It is widely believed that these are the slippers Judy Garland wore in close-ups and insert shots, most famously when Dorothy clicks her heels three times to return to Kansas. They are called the “Witch’s Shoes” because they are likely the pair seen on the feet of the Wicked Witch of the East after Dorothy’s house falls on the witch.

Another reason they are called the “close-up pair” is because they lack the orange felt adhered to the soles of other existing authentic pairs. The felt was used to muffle their sounds during filming. The “close-up” pair has its soles painted red, exactly as seen sticking out from under Dorothy’s house in the Munchkinland sequence. They have minimal wear, since it is believed they were only used for specific close-up shots in the movie.

These are the same pair that went up for auction on December 16, 2011, and failed to sell when they didn’t meet a reserve bid of $2 million. Leonardo approached the seller with a private offer and a deal has now been made.