JAMES ARNESS - PROP - HFSID 350543

JAMES ARNESS
This prop badge, an important piece of TV history, was worn by James Arness in his role of U. S. Marshall Matt Dillon on the long-running TV western Gunsmoke.
Prop unsigned. 2 x 2½ prop U. S. Marshall badge. With tag on back of frame: "'Gunsmoke'/Ellis Props/Marshall/Badge J.A./1955-1975/CBS", written in unknown hand. Housed in a 12½ x 8¼ x 2 shadow box frame with green and black felt interior. Frame also contains a color photo of Arness in uniform as Marshall Matt Dillon, wearing a prop badge similar to this one, and paper nameplate. This prop badge is a piece of TV history. It's one of several badges worn by Arness as U. S. Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke during its long 20-year (1955-1975) run. Gunsmoke, based on a radio show of the same name that ran from 1952 to 1961, is the longest-running prime time drama in United States TV history. Arness, (1923-2011) born James King Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1923, was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running TV western Gunsmoke (1955-1974). (Reportedly, John Wayne recommended him for the part) Few of his big screen roles were memorable, though one has become an object of cult worship: Arness was cast as the menacingly glowing space alien, described by one character as "an intellectual carrot," in The Thing (1951). His brother is actor Peter Graves. Badge is lightly tarnished, scuffed, scratched and discolored. Frame's wood is lightly chipped and scuffed. Nameplate has irregular edges. Otherwise in fine condition.