Argo's saddle

Probably one of the rarest pieces of the Xenaverse, today I bring a very special post about the latest addition to my collection: Argo’s complete gear. I had never seen a complete set in anyone's collection before; I believe it was never been auctioned or sold. This piece has resurfaced after more than 31 years. And I must say, it is really impressive in person.

Directly from New Zealand, here is the complete, screen-used Argo’s gear used by Tilly (Argo’s real name), the horse featured during the series.

 

The ensemble includes: Argo’s saddle, chest collar, leather saddlebags, horn/pommel, fur blanket, stirrups, bridle, and reins.

The saddle completely is covered with a thick brown fur skin (likely sheepskin) to provide cushioning and warmth.

The pommel/horn is a tall, curved structure made of wood and covered by reddish-brown leather that stands at the front, decorated with small brass metal studs along its seams.

My favorite piece, the saddlebags, are designed to be draped over the horse's neck, with one pouch hanging on each side to balance the weight of the load. The set consists of two elongated, rounded pouches connected in the center by a reinforced leather bridge. The saddlebags are crafted from dark brown leather, combined with large panels of animal fur on the front of each flap.

The horse chest collar is crafted primarily from thick brown leather, paired with central sections of black leather. The edges are fully decorated with intricate leather lacing, which reinforces the piece while adding an ornamental finish. The central oval concho is made of brass with a sunburst relief pattern. At the center of this medallion—as well as on the smaller side rivets—are inlaid paua shells with iridescent glints.

The stirrup features a classic D-shaped arc with a wide, flat base designed to provide a stable footing. The metal frame is fully wrapped in strips of brown leather.

The under-padding is a thick black wool lining designed to cushion the horse's chest against friction.

I always dreamed of getting Argo's saddlebags, but this exceeds all expectations; I never even thought I’d manage to get a single piece related to Xena's mare.

Photos for reference:

Ares's sword

Here is the latest addition to my collection. Ares’s, God of War, sword used on screen by Kevin Smith during the series.

This sword is made as a solid resin cast over a metal armature to prevent bending. The handle and pommel are painted in golden accents with an aged patina and the blade has a metal finish painting on it.

The pommel features the distinctive pinecone-shaped textured design, on the top there is a red faux gem signature of the God of War.

The handle is one-piece resin casted of the raised braided pattern mimicking the dark reddish leather straps. The guard highlights detailed ornamental work with acanthus leaf motifs all around.

The blade features a unique fantasy geometry. The base of the blade expands into ornate, organic flame-like or leaf-like shapes carved right above the guard before tapering into a sharp blade.

One of my favorite characters of all time, Kevin Smith tragically passed away on February 15, 2002, at the age of 38, following a severe head injury caused by an accidental fall, after successfully wrapping up his final scenes, he was waiting for a vehicle to take him back to his hotel. While walking through the studio backlot, he climbed a tower prop belonging to another production set. He lost his footing and fell roughly 9 metres (about 30 feet). He was rushed to a hospital in Beijing, where he remained in a deep coma under life support. He passed away nine days later when he was removed from life support systems. All my love for her wife, Sue, and his sons.

Photos for reference:

Kali's dagger

Today I bring my new acquisition: Kali’s screen used dagger used by Xena as Kali in the episode “The Way” from season 4.

The dagger is a resin cast with a metal rod inside as mostly all the production resin props. The handle features floral reliefs with Indian-inspired motifs on a maroon background. The dagger blade is slightly curved and painted with a metallic-effect finish.

Indrajit drove the dagger into Xena’s hand before reincarnating as Kali; subsequently, while the dagger was still embedded in her hand, she drove it right into the demon’s face during the brutal fight.

A few months ago I found Xena as Kali’s chestpiece, so it is great to reunite these pieces again after more than 25 years.

Photos for reference:

Xena's Creation scabbard

 The Xena's Creation scabbard is definitely one of the rarest prop replicas; I've never seen more than 10 of those sheaths in my entire life.

The Xena case, made by the propmasters of Pacific Renaissance Pictures LTD in New Zealand and distributed by Creation Entertainment in a limited edition of 500 units worldwide; but it is possible that the production batch was never finished, as these late editions were made to order.

The holster is built on a solid foam frame, just like the ones used on screen, and is covered in soft, genuine dark brown leather. It also features aged conchos made of cast gold resin and inlaid New Zealand paua shells. 

The back doesn't have the classic carabiner-style clips used on the holsters used on set or Todd's replicas to attach to costumes; instead, there's a leather strip around the braiding and a leather strap for functionality and to secure it to the back.

Finally I was able to reunite the replicas of Xena's battle sword and sheath from Creation Entertainment: another level was unlocked.