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

GEORGE JESSEL, MADELINE KAHN, BETTE MIDLER, NIPSEY RUSSELL, DANNY THOMAS, JESSE WHITE and MARY WICKES Original self-caricatures drawn by these legendary comedians. Collection comprised of 7 pieces of signed original artwork that includes: 1.) Original Artwork signed “George/Jessel”. 5x7. Fine condition. George Jessel (1898-1981, born in New York City), who became known as the "Toastmaster General of the United States" for his frequent role as Master of Ceremonies at entertainment and political gatherings, appeared in vaudeville (he was a partner of Eddie Cantor at age 11) and on Broadway before having a radio show, That's My Kid. 2.) Original Artwork signed “M. Kahn”. 5½ x 9. 2 horizontal creases, otherwise fine condition. Operatically trained, Madeline Kahn (1942-1999) achieved her greatest successes in manic comedy roles, earning Best Supporting Actress nominations for Paper Moon (1973) and Blazing Saddles (1974). She garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her short-lived TV sitcom, Oh, Madeline! (1983) and won a Tony for her performance in The Sisters Rosenzweig (1992). 3.) Original Artwork signed “BETTE”. 5¼ x 8¼.