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.
U.S. Marshal Office Sign Prop
Dimensions: 21 x 26 x 1.5 in.
This is the original U.S. Marshal Office sign that hung outside the office of Matt Dillon (James Arness) in the legendary television series Gunsmoke. It stands as one of the most recognizable set pieces ever to surface publicly from the show. Constructed from several wooden boards firmly affixed together, the sign features a painted copper background with bold black text reading: “U.S. Marshal / Office / Dodge City, Kansas.” It displays authentic production aging throughout, with the verso bearing “CBS” handwritten in black marker and additional, partially legible pencil inscriptions. Rusted metal hanging brackets remain affixed to the back from original studio use.
This iconic sign appeared on-screen throughout the show’s entire 20-season run. Following the conclusion of production, it was retained by Ron Honthaner, who served on Gunsmoke for seven years as post-production supervisor, associate producer, and writer.
Long Branch Saloon Poker Cards Display Prop
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 1.5 in.
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’ “Matt Dillon” Seven-Piece Wardrobe
Actor James Arness (1923–2011) wore this original ensemble in the television series Gunsmoke. The series ran from 1955 to 1975 and was TV’s No. 1 show from 1957 to 1961. A label is included inside the shirt that reads “Dm DeMir Shirtmakers California Custom” with “JA” for James Arness.
The pants were issued to the production by the Western Costume Co. The pant’s inside waistband includes the Western Costume Co. label with “James Arness” and “Gunsmoke” handwritten. The studio tags accompanying the boots and socks read: “J. Arness / Property of Studio / C.B.S. Studio Center / Gunsmoke.” James Arness signed the boots in black ink and inscribed: “Matt / Gunsmoke / 1955–1975.” Arness wore the trouser belt from Season 5 until the series ended. It is signed ‘Jim Arness “Matt”‘ on the inside. All items were acquired from the Estate of James Arness. See stand-alone feature for U.S. Marshal badge.
James Arness “Marshal Matt Dillon” U.S. Marshal Badge Prop
The original sterling silver U.S. Marshal badge above was worn by James Arness (1923-2011) as “Marshal Matt Dillon” in the television series Gunsmoke (1955–1975). According to Arness’ widow, Janet, this specific badge was one of three main badges used during the twenty-year run of Gunsmoke and can be seen in most of the one-hour color episodes. The back side of the badge is stamped “Sterling” silver and features a bar pin-style enclosure that is mounted vertically. The badge was acquired by B.B. Hudspeth from The Estate of James Arness.
James Arness "Matt Dillon" Trouser Belt
Arness wore the belt from Season 5 until the series ended. This particular belt was property of the CBS Studio Prop and Wardrobe Department and was later obtained by the American Costume Company in 1985. The belt’s interior is stamped “ACC” for American Costume Company. Provenance includes a personal letter and letter of authenticity personalized to B.B. Hudspeth from Luster Bayless, owner and founder of the American Costume Company and longtime personal costumer to John Wayne. The belt was featured in the Summer 2020 issue of Guns of the Old West magazine and served as the model for a replica Marshal Dillon belt currently sold to the public.
In 2012, B.B. Hudspeth acquired this trouser belt for his assistance in the restoration of the lost paperwork and provenance for one of James Arness’s Colt Single Action Army .45 revolvers used on Gunsmoke. The revolver later sold for $50,000 at auction in 2014 and was featured in True West Magazine.
Amanda Blake “Miss Kitty Russell” Leather Saddle
Dimensions: 14 × 20 × 28 in.
This screen-used leather saddle was used by Amanda Blake as the iconic Miss Kitty Russell in the long-running CBS television series Gunsmoke. Although Miss Kitty was often depicted riding sidesaddle, this symmetrical all-purpose saddle was designed for astride riding. Crafted from light brown leather, it features decorative tooling on the rigging, fender, flank cinch, rear jockey, skirt, and around the stirrups. The saddle is fitted with long leather conchos, sturdy leather cinches, and silver- and gold-tone hardware. A modern 34-inch Classic Equine straight cinch made of alpaca hair is currently attached. Blake, who initially feared falling from a horse, overcame her apprehension with the help of a riding trainer and became a confident equestrian during the series’ run. She can be seen riding with this saddle in the episode “Miss Kitty.” The seat measures 14 inches (gullet to cantle). Overall dimensions: 14 × 20 × 28 in.
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 given 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.
Milburn Stone "Doc Galen Adams" Ether Bottle from Medicine Cabinet
This antique ether bottle was used as a prop on the set of Gunsmoke and personally gifted to WTAR Operations Manager and Programming Director Joe Perkins by Milburn Stone (1904-1980), who portrayed “Doc Adams” on the long-running CBS series. During a CBS affiliates conference, breakfast was held on the Gunsmoke set. While showcasing the authentic antique props used in production, Stone opened the doctor’s cabinet beside his on-set desk and pulled out this still-sealed ether bottle, complete with original ether balls inside. Stone explained the flat side of the bottle was designed to rest on a surface before the tip was struck to open it, but this one remains unopened. He then handed it to Perkins with a smile and said, “Keep it.” Acquired from the Joe Perkins Estate.
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. Together, these artifacts offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the off-camera world of one of television’s most enduring Western legends.
Drinking Cups
Screen-used drinking cups retained by James Arness following the conclusion of Gunsmoke. One cup bears his initials, “JKA,” carved into the base, while another is marked “ARNESS” in red marker to ensure both remained on set during production. These well-used pieces were among Arness’s favorite personal items from the series.
Whiskey Jug
A stoneware whiskey jug retained by James Arness following production of Gunsmoke. Arness later used the jug as a humorous party prop among friends and guests, reflecting his playful off-camera personality.
Cabin & Ranch Items
Several production items retained by James Arness were later repurposed for everyday use at his Mammoth Lakes cabin and California ranch properties following the conclusion of Gunsmoke.
Wooden Fire Bellows
Screen-used wooden fire bellows later used by Arness for building fires in the fireplaces of his homes and ranches.
Kerosene Lamps
Two kerosene lamps retained by Arness following the series finale and later used during power outages at his Mammoth Lakes cabin and ranch properties.
Personal Keepsakes from the Set
Several personal keepsakes preserved by James Arness following his years on Gunsmoke, including practical household items and sentimental gifts connected to the series.
Brass Pot
A brass production pot repurposed by Arness as a hat stand in his dressing room to help preserve the shape of his hats between filming days.
Pewter Bowl
A metal bowl used by Arness during filming and later repurposed as a catchall for keys and loose change in his dressing room and home.
Horseshoes from the Set
Original horseshoes from the Gunsmoke set, gifted to James Arness by close friend and co-star Ken Curtis (“Festus”), who acquired them from the production prop master.
Matt Dillon String Tie
Brown string “dress-up” tie worn on-screen by James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon during formal and special occasion scenes throughout Gunsmoke. The tie appeared in numerous court, travel, and social scenes during the later years of the series.
James Arness Director's Chair Back
Original chair back used during production of the later Gunsmoke television movies starring James Arness. The chair back represents Arness’s continued association with the legendary Western franchise decades after the original series concluded.
