Opening Bid: $100,000

From Invaluable Auctions:

Bert Lahr “Cowardly Lion” prop “Witch Remover” from The Wizard of Oz. (MGM, 1939) This instantly recognizable prop is wielded by the Cowardly Lion as he, Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow enter the Haunted Forest and read the sign aloud stating, “Haunted Forest…Witches Castle one mile…I’d turn back if I were you.” So visually important is this scene that M-G-M chose the image of this sequence for one of their eight promotional lobby cards. This vintage hand pump exterminator sprayer is constructed of steel and wood measuring 32.5 in. long x 8.25 in. wide. Painted gray with red trim and “WITCH REMOVER” by hand on both sides along the cylinder. Exhibits usual wear with general paint loss and scuffing. An iconic and exceedingly rare prop from this cinematic masterpiece. Provenance: Christie’s East, New York, May 24, 2000, lot 156. $100,000 - $150,000.

(Tipped by JMG reader Bill)