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As one of the longest running prime time American TV dramas,
“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. These revolvers commemorate Ojala’s work on that very popular
TV western. Working in Hollywood allowed Arvo Ojala to befriend numerous actors, including Ronald Reagan, the future 40th
President of the United States (1981-1989), Sammy Davis Jr., and James Arness.
The accompanying factory letter indicates that these revolvers left the factory with the special serial numbers “1GUNSMOKE” and
“2GUNSMOKE” and were shipped directly to Arvo Ojala of Woodland Hills, California, on November 25, 1994 with the accompanying French
fitted double oak case featuring blue velvet lining. Also included with the revolvers is a letter from John J. Adams Sr., master engraver for the Colt
Custom Shop. Adams stated that he was commissioned by Arvo Ojala to engrave SAAs “1GUNSMOKE” and “2GUNSMOKE” “in remembrance of [Ojala’s] part
in the T.V. series of ‘Gunsmoke.’” In the letter, Adams describes the engraving and stated the revolvers were sent to the Gold Line Co. to be plated in 18k
gold, fitted with grips by Dan Chesiak. The project took about two months to complete. A handwritten letter from Chesiak confirms he made the grips for
both revolvers. This set is decorated in Colt American style scroll and punch-dot “B” engraving. The right side of each revolver barrel has a panel engraved
“1 GUNSMOKE” or “2 GUNSMOKE” followed by a bullet in flight with a puff of smoke showing the bullet’s path. The back straps are engraved “ARVO OJALA-
Opening of GUNSMOKE.” The respective
special serial number is engraved on the bottom of the frame.
The barrels are roll-stamped with the legend. “Colt’s PT.F.A. Mfg. Co.
Hartford Ct. U.S.A.” with an engraved border. The left sides of both
barrels are roll-stamped “Colt Single Action Army 45” surrounded by
an engraved border. The revolvers are in a Colt custom shop double
oak, French fitted case with blue velvet lining.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall as embellished by master
engraver John Adams Sr., retaining 98% plus of the custom gold
plating with limited handling marks, traces of a faint cylinder drag line, and grips with highly
attractive color. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine.
B) Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Serial Number 2GUNSMOKE - Serial no. 2GUNSMOKE,
45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., gold finish, smooth grips. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall as embellished by master engraver John Adams Sr.,
retaining 97% of the custom gold plating with slight flaking and a couple blemishes on the
cylinder, a faint cylinder drag line, and grips with highly attractive color. Mechanically excellent.
The “1GUNSMOKE” and “2GUNSMOKE” special factory serial numbers and the pair’s association
with legendary Hollywood quick draw expert Arvo Ojala, specifically commissioned for his role
in the TV western “Gunsmoke,” make this a truly one-of-a-kind set of Colt Single Action Army
revolvers that transcends the firearms collecting fraternity.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
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