Gunsmoke
Airing from 1955 to 1975, Gunsmoke reigned as television’s longest-running Western, with an impressive 20 seasons and 635 episodes. Originally a popular radio show, it transitioned to TV and quickly became a cultural touchstone, beloved for its gripping storytelling and strong characters. James Arness starred as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, who upheld law and order in Dodge City alongside a memorable cast, including Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), and Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver).
The series stood out for its realism and moral depth, tackling complex themes of justice and survival on the frontier. At its peak, Gunsmoke dominated ratings and became a staple of American television. Even after its finale, it inspired a series of TV movies and remains a fan favorite through reruns. A true classic, Gunsmoke set the standard for Westerns, cementing its legacy as one of the greatest shows of all time.
James Arness’ “Matt Dillon” Seven-Piece Wardrobe
Actor and producer James Arness (1923-2011) wore this original ensemble in his legendary role as Marshal Matt Dillon. The wardrobe includes a custom shirt labeled “Dm DeMir Shirtmakers California Custom” with the initials “JA” for James Arness. The trousers, issued by Western Costume Co., feature an interior label marked “James Arness” and “Gunsmoke.” The trouser belt, vest, and badge were official property of the CBS Prop and Wardrobe Department, each meticulously maintained for continuity and authenticity on set. His boots and socks include studio tags that read: “J. Arness / Property of Studio / C.B.S. Studio Center / Gunsmoke.” Arness personally signed the boots in black ink with the inscription: “Matt / Gunsmoke / 1955 – 1975.” The badge—a key piece of Marshal Dillon’s identity—is stamped “Sterling” silver on the reverse and features a vertically mounted bar-pin clasp, consistent with the style used during the color era of the show. This particular badge was one of only three main badges used during the entire run of the series. It can be clearly seen in most of the one-hour color episodes, making it a highly recognizable piece of television history. All wardrobe items were acquired from the estate of James Arness, preserving a treasured legacy from one of the most influential Western series ever produced. Together, they represent not only a beloved character, but also a significant chapter in the history of American entertainment.
Dennis Weaver’s "Chester B. Goode" Western Shirt and Suspenders
Billy Dennis Weaver (1924-2006) played “Chester B. Goode,” the limping, loyal assistant of Marshal Matt Dillon on the series. The shirt is distinctive custom-made light brown, long-sleeve woven, with internal Western Costume Co. label typed with Weaver’s name and Western Costume Co. stamped on the tail piece. It features mismatched buttons front closure. Together with yellow suspenders with blue stripes and silver metal clasps stamped “Police Brace.” The suspenders are accompanied by a handwritten note by Weaver: “For eight years on Gunsmoke these suspenders have really give me good support. Warm regards, Dennis Weaver.“ Weaver received an Emmy Award in 1959 for Best Supporting Actor (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series for his Chester character.
Ken Curtis’ “Deputy Marshal Festus Haggen” Undershirt Sleeves
Ken Curtis (1916-1991) was a singer before he turned to acting, including stints with the Tommy Dorsey Band, Shep Fields, and the Sons of the Pioneers. He appeared on the Gunsmoke series from 1963 to 1975 and is best known for his role as Deputy Marshal Festus Haggen. For comfort, Curtis preferred to wear only the sleeves from an undershirt during filming, using rubber bands to hold the sleeves on his upper arms. Stephen Lodge — wardrobe set man and assistant to James Arness, Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis, and Buck Taylor during the 1974 series — obtained these sleeves from the CBS Wardrobe Department when the series ended. According to Lodge, “The sleeves were hanging on a hanger by a safety-pin along with several other pair on Ken’s line with his other Festus garb.” Lodge gifted the sleeves to B.B. Hudspeth on September 27, 2015.
Long Branch Saloon Poker Cards Display Prop
This iconic poker card display prop appeared in nearly every episode of Gunsmoke from Seasons 9 through 20 that featured scenes inside the Long Branch Saloon. A staple of the saloon’s decor, it became a familiar background element to generations of viewers.
When Gunsmoke was canceled, the prop found a new home with L. Mowery, a financial advisor and longtime tax planner for actors and studio executives. On the day the series was canceled, Mowery was having lunch with Universal Television president Tom Tannenbaum at the CBS commissary. During their conversation, Tannenbaum asked if Mowery watched Gunsmoke. Mowery replied that he did occasionally, having grown up on a farm in the Ozarks and later living in Wichita, Kansas.
Tannenbaum then revealed the show’s cancellation and invited Mowery to visit the set before it was dismantled. As they toured the Long Branch Saloon, Tannenbaum offered Mowery a keepsake. Without hesitation, Mowery pointed to the beat-up poker card display that had hung above the poker table—despite having been knocked off the wall several times during staged bar fights. It was the perfect piece for his own game table at home, and he took it with him that very day.
Fun Fact: Due to network restrictions and local gambling laws, CBS could not use real playing cards in the show. Instead, the art department created custom-designed look-alike cards for use on set.
Bonus Trivia: The poker card display is also featured in Buck Taylor’s painting The Long Branch Saloon. Taylor, both actor and artist, portrayed Newly O’Brian, the gunsmith-turned-deputy, during the latter seasons of the series.
James Arness: Collector of the Gunsmoke Legacy
In addition to portraying the iconic Marshal Matt Dillon, James Arness was also a savvy producer through his own company, Arness Productions, which co-produced the legendary Gunsmoke series. This unique role granted him greater access than most stars, including privileges with the CBS Props and Wardrobe Department. A passionate collector by nature, Arness held onto many cherished items from the set—many of which are now proudly preserved in the B.B. Hudspeth Collection. Among the standout pieces is a brown string “dress-up” tie worn on-screen by Arness, along with three of his favorite drinking cups from the set. One cup bears his initials, “JKA,” carved into the base, while another has “ARNESS” written in red marker to ensure it stayed on set. Arness frequently repurposed props between productions for his own use. A brass pot from the set doubled as a hat stand in his dressing room to help preserve his hat’s shape overnight. A metal bowl served as a catchall for his keys and change during filming. Two kerosene lamps, which he took home after the series ended, were later used at his Mammoth Lakes cabin and ranches during power outages. He also took home a wooden fire bellows, used on set, which became a favorite tool for building fires in his home fireplaces. Other memorable items include a whiskey jug he once used as a gag at a party and three horseshoes from the set—personal gifts from his close friend and co-star Ken “Festus” Curtis. Together, these pieces offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the off-camera world of one of television’s most enduring Western legends.
