The Chakram

After decades of searching for, it finally had appeared. Probably the most iconic Xena prop, her trademark weapon will always be the chakram. This screen-used hero chakram of the first design was seen in season 1 to 4 of the series, and used by Lucy Lawless herself during the series. A truly legendary piece of television history.

The chakram is made of solid “Dynacast” blue resin, it is a lightweight cast of hard resin with sprung steel armature for reinforcement. Mostly all the hero chakrams were made of this material, except the metal ones for specific close-ups. All the paua shells are intact in the right position, 9 per side. The chakram is in excellent condition after almost 30 years it was made.

Sometimes, people aren’t able to distinguish a real hero prop from a replica. Well, here is a quick tutorial about it: The hero chakram are about 25 cm diameter unlike the replicas, which are smaller. The set used chakrams weren’t mass produced so they present differences in the placement of the holes for the paua shells (seen in the first seasons).

 Also, the chakram with non-geometric shapes on the golden details were very common in the first seasons, you can appreciate the irregularities in the jagged pattern side and they had a rust appearance. The prop department decided to redesign the chakram from season 3 on, they started to more pay attention to details and symmetry.

 

 

 Another fact to consider is that the set used hero chakrams has a blade thin sharp edge, unlike the replicas (Creation or Todd’s) that used to be thick and blunt; it doesn't look "sharp" enough to props seen in the series.

Well, this year I have made a master class on materials to understand everything. Well, the considered “hero” props are made basically of hard heavy resin, it is the most accurate, polished and detailed version used by the main actor besides the metal ones, that wasn’t very common on the set due to inconveniences for actors safety and their difficult handling. On second place, the considered “stunt” props are usually made of soft materials as foam, rubber, plastic rubber or wood to prevent any injuries to actors basically. The “stunt” props were used by the main actor or stunt double in sequences that requires the greater security in fights, running scenes, gallop, throw the chakram or similar.

Xena's hero sword

Definitely here is a unique piece of television history from the Xena: Warrior Princess series. Xena’s hero metal screen used sword, used by Lucy Lawless circa end of season 1 and 2. The prop masters decided that after the first appearances of Xena with her old sword during the first episodes, the evolution of the character needs to be reflected in a changeover to the new sword.

The first Xena’s hero swords were electroplated for lightweight close-up shots before the prop masters of the series started making the aluminum ones during season 3. The sword is quite heavy too. Before I knew how is the electroplated process, I thought it was a kind of painting technique, but my surprise was when I had it on my hands, I realize that there is a metal layer all around the sword that gives a real metallic shine, just because it is metal indeed.

The aged green rust patina over the cross-guard and pommel reveals that it is an early production sword as we have seen in season 1 and 2, they used the golden orange painting later on. 

 

Also, the blade doesn’t look quite battle worn as the last seasons sword design, that makes this sword quite rare and unique. It has slight damage to the electroplated blade on its edge from fighting contact. However, after almost 30 years, the sword is still in great condition.

All paua shells are intact and in the right place. I always loved the paua shells colors, in this case all are mostly green and blue. Maybe the blue ones in the cross guard were chosen specifically to match with Lucy’s eyes. 

 

The leather strip around the handle is still in mint condition. The pommel has the round concho on with the paua intact, the detail of that piece is usually blurred in the resin casts but, this is not the case. 

 

A formidable sword in every single detail. I still can’t believe this happened…

Reference photos:

Xena's hero scabbard

Probably one of the rarest props I have seen in the last 15 years of collecting... I was desperate searching for a Xena’s Creation scabbard during years, I had bought one and never arrived, I was devastated. But, I just needed patience.

Here is a Xena’s set used scabbard worn by Lucy Lawless circa season 2 and 3. I think is impossible to screen match with a specific episode or scene.

The main material is a dark brown leather with some aged and oiled parts and the structure of the scabbard is made of soft but firm foam. The scabbard has two leather braids on top and in the middle. 

The golden medallions are awesome, they are made of resin with golden paint and each one has a paua shell inlay. The back part has one carabiner hidden bewteen pieces of leather on top and where it should be another smaller carabiner was replaced by a leather strip to tie to Lucy’s back corset.

 

Front close-ups.

 

This is, for sure, one of my “Holy Grail” props and another Xena’s prop I can cross it off my wish list, this one has a place in my heart. The leather still has a special smell. 

Detailed view of the scabbard.

Back part close-ups.

 

Photos for references:

My costumes display

Some people asked me where I display all my costumes. Well, the real thing is that I only have a few of them displayed in one room and the others are just carefully stored. 

Xena's costume.

Gabrielle's hero costume from season 3&4.

Gabrielle's hero costume from season 6.

Gabrielle's Amazon Queen hero costume.

 

Brutus's costume from "When fates collide".