Step Into History: Charlie Chaplin’s Iconic Boots Could Be Yours … for $125,000

Ever dreamed of walking a mile in Charlie Chaplin’s shoes? Well, for a mere $125,000 (or possibly up to $250,000), you just might get the chance.

One of the most legendary costume pieces in Hollywood history—Chaplin’s screen-matched “Little Tramp” boots from The Great Dictator (1940)—is hitting the auction block at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auctionon March 26, 2025, giving film collectors, history buffs, and deep-pocketed Chaplin fans a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of cinematic gold.

More Than Just a Pair of Shoes

These aren’t just any old boots; they are a symbol of Chaplin’s most famous creation—the mustachioed vagrant with a bowler hat, a cane, and, of course, those distinctive oversized shoes that shuffled through silent film history. The boots, with their well-worn creases and signature cracking, are screen- and photo-matched to The Great Dictator, one of Chaplin’s most significant films.

But the story doesn’t stop there. These boots have been through quite the journey, originally preserved by Alfred Reeves, Chaplin Film Corporation’s General Manager, before finding their way into the hands of collectors Ted and Betty Tetrick. In 1987, they were auctioned off at Christie’s alongside Chaplin’s bowler hat and cane, and now, nearly 40 years later, they are stepping back into the spotlight.

A Hollywood Auction Like No Other

The three-day Propstore auction (March 26–28, 2025), hosted at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, will feature over 1,350 rare film and TV props, costumes, and memorabilia, with a total estimated value of $8 million. Public in-room bidding kicks off on March 26, but if you can’t be there in person, don’t worry—you can place your bid online, over the phone, or via absentee bidding.

For movie lovers and collectors, this auction is more than just a chance to own a piece of history—it’s an opportunity to step into the very shoes of an icon (literally, if you’re the winning bidder).

The question is, how much would you pay for a walk through film history?

👉 Bidding is now open: Propstore Auction Registration