Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto in "The Wizard of Oz"

has been sold for $252,000 at a Bonhams auction.

The blue and white gingham dress went to a buyer bidding by telephone who did

not wish to be identified.

Jon Baddeley, head of Bonhams' collector's department, says, "This dress

represents the quintessential magic of childhood in the most beloved film of

the 20th century.

"It has become a cherished memory for millions of fans worldwide and was worn

by one of the most talented and respected stars in Hollywood. Film costume

rarely gets better than this."

The dress, which was one of six identical garments created for Garland for

the movie, had been expected to fetch $63,000.

Garland, who was 17 when she portrayed Dorothy in the fantasy musical, died

in 1969, less than two weeks after her 47th birthday.

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