Directly from New Zealand, here is an original Crew member Xena’s Chakram made by the production department at the end of the series in a very limited run available for purchase to crew members, just a few of the were made and bought by the Xena’s crew.
I compared it with the Creation replica and the jagged side pattern isn’t exactly the same, probably this one reminds me of the design of the early seasons. Also, the blade edge of this chakram is thinner than the Creation replica, that is thicker. Definitely the chakram is sharp -edged weapon so this one is closer to the original prop.
This chakram size is exactly the same than the set used chakram I own, and the pattern’s dimensions are the same too. The chakram is made of metal, probably aluminum and each side has 9 original paua shells from New Zealand. The chakram is polished but it not mirror-like like some replicas, the gold painting is still in mint condition.
I decided to pick up this vintage wooden showcase from my mum’s home and display my Xena’s collection differently. Xena is a vintage series, why not a vintage furniture to display it.
During these last months I realized that I am living a full-circle moment as collector. Probably last year Holy Grail additions to my collection were totally unimaginable for me 5 years ago. I have always dreamed with a screen-used Xena's sword with scabbard, a screen-used dark chakram or even a screen-used metal Yin Yang chakram... I really don't know if it was just luck, or I just was in the right place in the right moment, who knows...
And this happened today… Xena’s screen-used metal yin-yang splitting Chakram had resurfaced after more than 24 years stored since the show ended.
The first appearance was in the episode “Chakram” from season 5. After Xena merged the two dark chakrams, the balanced chakram appeared, a new throwing weapon able to split in two pieces to be used as melee weapon instead of throwing. The splitting Chakram was also seen in the episode of “Eve” during the final fight scene.
Just a few “split” hero metal chakrams were made since most of the split chakram scenes were CGI shots of the chakram in flight. I believe that just 3 units were produced of this particular version. The brightness of the bronze and gold paint are in good condition although it has signs of wear and chipped paint parts.
A truly Holy Grail prop that I feel more than lucky to have found.
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Behind the costumes are three shadow boxes with: Xena's original chakram, yin yang chakram and a Gabrielle's sais from Creation Entertainment.
September 4, 1995. Last week was the anniversary from my favorite series ever. A series that changed my life, helped to create my identity and my way of living.
The first season of the television series Xena: Warrior Princess commenced airing in the United States and Canada on September 4, 1995, concluded on July 29, 1996, and contained 24 episodes.
Here are 4 of my screen used favorites pieces used by Xena played by Lucy Lawless herself.
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.
