Bob and I had a question come in this week from a reader who wants to identify a structure on the wall behind the bar in several western shows and movies including the Long Branch on "Gunsmoke". I wa…

[Marshall Trimble]

Bob and I had a question come in this week from a reader who wants to identify a structure on the wall behind the bar in several western shows and movies including the Long Branch on "Gunsmoke". I watch the show on a regular basis but haven't spotted it so I thought I'd toss it out to you and ask for your help. I hate to admit it but this might be first time in a dozen years I've been stumped. Here's what she describes:

"I've seen something that puzzles me which you might be able to identify.  It looks like several tubes making a shape similar to a large crown.  It doesn't seem to have any spigots, and the number of tubes does vary.  Can you identify this for me? Joyce."

[Lethalrancher]

golly....gonna have to have a picture before I could weigh in on it........lethalrancher

[Marshall Trimble]

Yep, I've watched several episodes hoping to see it......Maybe I'm too busy looking at Miss Kitty.

[Murray A. Gewirtz]

I think I've spotted it. I googled "Miss Kitty Gunsmoke" images and found these two photos. (see below.) It must be that contraption behind the bar on the left of the picture of Chester and Miss Kitty, and on the right of the one with Marshal Dillon walking to the bar.. It appears to be a fancy metal rack of shelving (perhaps a revolving carousel?) for holding whiskey bottles.

[Marshall Trimble]

Hi Murray, Yep, that's gotta be what she's asking about. Now we need to see what it's used for. I know everything's up to date in Kansasbut Did they serve latte outta that thing????

[Gay Mathis]

Later in color..Screen capture from YouTube..

[Marshall Trimble]

Great shot in color Gay. Got any idea what it is?  Now I know why I never noticed the gadget. Those great looking gals had me totally distracted.

[Morgan]

 

 

Here's another view. Looks to have a lamp type base

[Gay Mathis]

A couple of more screen shots from YouTube..

[Marshall Trimble]

I'm still befuddled. It doesn't look like it has anything to do with booze and beer.

[Marshall Trimble]

These are the clearest photos yet. Anybody out there got any thoughts on what that thing is?