Airing from 1955-1975 and spawning several made for television movies, Gunsmoke is without a doubt one of the most significant pop cultural phenomenons to hit the small screen. As one of the longest running American TV shows, Gunsmoke left an enduring mark on the popularization of the Western genre that still resonates today. Set in the town of Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, the show centered on lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by James Arness in all 635 episodes. This Colt Single Acton Army Revolver, a model of firearm whose legacy is so profoundly linked to the American West, was gifted by one of Hollywood's best known western lawman, James Arness (1923-2011), to the assistant director of Gunsmoke, Wesley McAfee (1929-2010). McAfee was the assistant director for 56 episodes of Gunsmoke from 1961 to 1964. As told in the accompanying affidavit of authenticity from McAfee's son, Arness bestowed this SAA revolver to McAfee around 1962/1963 "for a job well done." The two men "became good friends" during their shared time on the Gunsmoke set. In the affidavit the revolver is referenced by serial number. McAfee's other noted TV credits included The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (1968-1970), Wonder Woman (1977-1978), Hawaii Five-O (1978-1979), and The Dukes of Hazard (1982-1984) as well as films such as the star studded The Towering Inferno (1974) and Clint Eastwood's Magnum Force (1973). While best identified in his iconic Western role, Arness' movie career ventured into two of today's most celebrated 1950s sci-fi cult classics: The Thing from Another World (1951) where played The Thing and the nuclear monster film Them! (1954). He became good friends with fellow western star John Wayne, and the two actors shared the screen in several films. During World War II Arness was severely wounded in the right leg during the Battle of Anzio and the injury continued to cause him trouble throughout his life. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars and arrowhead device. As for the revolver, it was manufactured in 1883. The underside of the frame has Ellis Prop House rental marking ("EEE"). An additional "E" is stamped behind the trigger guard. Ellis Prop House was one of the oldest prop houses in Hollywood when it closed in 2001. Ellis Prop House would have been providing props for TV and film productions throughout Gunsmoke's run, making it possible that this gun was used on Gunsmoke. The barrel lacks markings. The left side of the frame carries the three-line Colt patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." The revolver wears a set of plastic grips by Franzite. Provenance: James Arness; Wesley McAfee; Sean McAfee; Property of a Gentleman

Very good with mix of refinished blue and brown overall and the ejector round housing retaining some nickel plating. The replacement grips are very good as well with some handling marks. Mechanically fine. An interesting antique Colt SAA revolver linked to one of the nation's great Western Hollywood icons, James Arness. It will make for a perfect addition to any Western or Hollywood collection.