The original ring, seen here with the inside of the DVD set of "Dukes of Hazzard" season 2. The ring is clearly seen - and make note of the silver police buttons on the pockets - and no badge! The badges were routinely handled by the property department at Warner Brothers. Since the watch and ring belonged to Jimmie personally, they are seen in the shot despite the fact that the property person had not got to Jimmie prior to this photo being taken.

 

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS!

Many times over the years "Dukes" fans have asked us about the curious turquoise ring that Jimmie is seen wearing in the first two seasons of "Dukes of Hazzard". While at the Marilgold Festival in Pekin, Illinois this past summer, a fan gave Jimmie a similar ring that had been in his family for over 20 years. When he inquired about the original ring - it got jamesbest.com on a search to track down the whereabouts and details of the original. The ring's origin is unknown, just that Jimmie personally owned the ring prior to "Dukes" and wore it on and off the set in late 1978 while filming the first five episodes in Georgia. Basically, it's a Zuni ring, and the symbol is that of friendship. Turquoise was prized among the Zuni because of their belief that it had powers of healing and good fortune. Most of the Zuni rings are unique because they are made by the individual tribes people themselves, so an exact matching ring out there may not exist.

In December 2006, during the process of preparing to move from Florida to North Carolina, Dorothy Best discovered the original ring and two of the original watches worn on the show in a small case in the back of a safe. Very neat to be able to give the fanbase an inside look at a "Dukes Detail" many fans have inquired about over the years. So, inquiring minds that wanted to know, well...now they know. The real ring still exists and is safe and secure.

Details of the original Rosco watches could come out soon....if inquiring minds want to know. . .

* story and photos by Scott Romine intended for www.jamesbest.com Jan.2007 all images copyright www.jamesbest.com