Xena's Creation sword prop replica

A recent addition to my collection is this beauty: Xena’s metal battle worn sword prop replica distributed by Creation Entertainment and forged by the blacksmiths at Pacific Renaissance Pictures LTD in New Zealand.

The blade features a stamp that is written “New Zealand Made”. The paua shell inlayed in the sword are in mint condition and have a beautiful green and blue sea colors. My guess is that the earlier numbers of this replicas has natural curved paua shells inlay just like the ones seen on screen and like this one, and the latest ones have a kind of "laser-cut sheets” of paua shells instead.

After a bit of research, I realized that the Creation Xena’s sword was made from the latest seasons sword mold after the sword changeover before season 4.

The sword is casted in aluminum, the cross guard and pommel aged patina remember me the earlier episodes, as it looks like an aged gold-bronze painting, instead of the last seasons patina that has an orange burnt gold painting on it.

I have seen plenty of Creation Xena’s swords replicas and just the lower numbers have a clearly defined and detailed reliefs around the central paua shell in the cross-guard. After many casts, the higher numbers have the cross-guards reliefs less defined and are almost blurred.

I really love those paua shells! 🐚

Gabrielle Healer costume

 "Why do I feel like it's still there?

Maybe you haven't accepted the loss.

What would you know about loss?

A few things… If you give yourself a chance, you may rediscover your soul.” - Gabrielle and Thalassa, “Looked up and tied down”, season 4.

Gabrielle’s healer costume worn by Renée O’Connor in the episode “Looked up and tied down” from season 4.

After Xena is condemned and sent to Shark Island Prison for killing Thalassa in a cruel manner, many years ago. A confused and grief stricken Gabrielle attempts to break her out arriving at the prison disguised as a healer.

The costume combines green, blue and purple fabrics with some stenciled patterns in the front and sleeves. The trident design evokes the mystical aspect of healers from the ancient times, and the round symbol is associated with longevity and good luck. The costume wardrobe label is written “Gabrielle / Renee O’Connor”. The costume was originally sold during the 2001-2002 It’s A Wrap auctions, and later on, it was auctioned on eBay in 2014, it includes the usual certificate of authenticity.

 

I recently purchased this wig to make the Gabrielle’s photoshoot with costumes more realistic.

Photos for reference:

Callisto's screenused hero sword

“Wish me luck, not that you would. Oh, and Xena, the next time we meet. I’ll be a god…” - Callisto, “A necessary evil”, season 2.

Side 1.

Side 2.

I couldn’ even realized until I had it on my hands. Directly from New Zealand, here is a legendary holy grail prop in the truest sense of the word: Callisto’s metal hero sword used by Hudson Leick as Callisto during her appearances bewteen season 1-4. 

Side 1.

Side 2.

The aged patina and light gold painting matches the early Callisto’s episodes from season 1 & 2. My guess is that this particulary sword was used in the episode “A neccesary evil” in mostly all the scenes that Hudson wielded it where the detail could be appreciated. 

Also, some small scratches on the blade of the sword could be from the bonfire scene in which Callisto converses with Gabrielle and Xena while she was sharpening the sword blade with a stone.

The sword is a cast in solid aluminum and painted with an aged patina required for close-up scenes. The sword remains in the same conditions as it was 25 years ago when the series ended. It had been preserved and stored in a safe place since then. 

Nowadays finding a screen used Callisto’s sword is very rare, nearly impossible, I have just seen a few of them in my life, and just one was metal. Callisto’s Creation swords are the rarest of those replicas, just 250 units were made.

I feel lucky to have found this unique piece that deserves a worthy exhibition in my collection.

“Here comes the trouble” ⚔️

Photos for reference:

Princess Diana's costume

A recent addition to my collection is Princess Diana’s screen used costume worn by Lucy Lawless in the episode “Warrior… Princess… Tramp” from season 2. 

During this episode the princess Diana, Xena’s noble look-alike, met Xena at her castle. Well, she thinks is Xena but she reveals herself to be Meg, a common tramp pulled out of the gutter by the scheming Agis to be used in his plan to take over Lias's throne.

Both of them, Diana and Meg resemble Xena, but each one is different in temperament.

The costume includes the main body gown made of a satin brocade fabric in gold, silver and brown tones and a delicated blue silk fabric over the brown fabric. In the middle of the breast there is a gold plated medallion with a faux black gemstone on it. 

The brocade fabric cape is attached to the arms and looks fantastic on the dress. The inner part, behind the blue silk is signed by Lucy Lawless herself, what a great piece! Sadly, the headpiece isn’t included, if anyone know anything about it lmk!

Lucy Lawless signature.

Photos for reference: