One of the oil cans used by the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz” can be yours -- if you only had the cash.
The piece of cinematic history belonging to the character played by Jack Haley in the 1939 classic film will be part of GWS Auctions’ Artifacts Of Hollywood And Music collection sale, which begins March 26 at 10 a.m. PDT.
The oil can was used as a cinematic prop several times in the movie, particularly just before the Tin Man character’s introductory song, “If I Only Had a Heart,” People reported. The oil can helped the Tin Man free his body and joints from the rusted state he was found in by Dorothy, played by Judy Garland, in “The Wizard of Oz,” according to the magazine.
According to the auction listing, Haley was presented with this can after filming ended. Historians disagree on the number of oil cans that were used during the film, with the number fluctuating between three and five.
The prop that is up for auction is currently on exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, according to GWS Auctions.
The can is on loan to the museum through November 2022, according to the auction listing. Museum officials are hoping the winning bidder will keep it at the site after the loan agreement ends.
The oil can listing includes a redacted copy of the loan agreement for the Academy Museum and an insurance valuation of $1 million.
The opening bid for the oil can is $50,000, with requested bid increments of $5,000.