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.

Gabrielle as Marquessa costume

 A recent addition to my collection is Gabrielle’s costume worn by Renée O’Connor as the Marquessa, the sponsor of Miss Amphipolis contestant in the episode “Here comes… Miss Amphipolis” from season 2.

 

After a desperate call from Salmoneus, Xena and Gabrielle will have to pose as a contestant and her sponsor for the Miss Know World beauty pageant to find out who is trying to sabotage the contest and to stop an arms-dealing warlord in the kingdom.

 

The costume includes the colorful robe with a textured blue velvet fabric with intricate gold embroidery. In the upper part, there are several brocade panels in colorful tones enhanced by gold Lyonnais-style trimmings.

 

The dress is particularly striking for its large collar. It is made of intricate brocade fabric with an internal wired structure to ensure that it stays fixed in the same position and features a scalloped gold lace border in the Renaissance style. The costume has a wardrobe tag affixed to the inner part that reads “Renée”. The robe was also signed by Renée herself at the Xena Con in 2008.

 

The turban is crafted from a pleated emerald green fabric with tiny gold sparkles. The design is distinguished by a large, central circular gold-plated brooch of multicolored rhinestones. The turban has an elastic band on the inside to adjust to the head and elastic straps on the sides to secure the hair with bobby pins.

 

The robe and turban were originally sold separately during the 2001-2002 It’s A Wrap auctions and include the usual certificates of authenticity. The costume includes an identification tag that is written: “Xena, Ep.15 Gabrielle”. The previous owner had purchased this lot in an eBay auction in February 2008.

 

I realized that some of the brocade patterns don’t match exactly with one seen on screen in some sequences, although are clearly the same fabrics used. My guess is that there were made almost two of this costumes: one for stunts and other as a back-up costume tailored specifically for Renée.

 

During this episode Gabrielle wore the Marquessa costume over the season 2 hero trademark costume.

Check here!

Photos for reference: