lunes, 30 de octubre de 2023

Creation replicas collection

Here are some of my favorite replicas distributed by Creation Entertainment. Also, Gabrielle season 6 costume is in one side of the first photo. Enjoy!


After the Callisto sword arrived this week I can say I already own 15/17 replicas.

  1. Xena battle worn sword. FOUND
  2. Xena original chakram. FOUND
  3. Xena Yin-yang chakram. FOUND
  4. Xena whip. FOUND
  5. Xena breastdagger. FOUND
  6. Xena gauntlets. FOUND
  7. Xena armbands. FOUND
  8. Xena Sacred AFIN katana. FOUND
  9. Xena scabbard. MISSING
  10. Gabrielle staff. FOUND
  11. Gabrielle sais. FOUND
  12. Gabrielle Helicon sword. FOUND
  13. Gabrielle S5 necklace. FOUND
  14. Gabrielle S6 necklace. FOUND
  15. Gabrielle AFIN katana. FOUND
  16. Callisto sword. FOUND
  17. Ares sword. MISSING

Just missing the rare Ares sword and the Xena leather scabbard.


sábado, 28 de octubre de 2023

1998 Prop Display Recreation


Does it sounds familiar to you? There was a time when a huge Xena props shadow box were displayed. This is the case of the Hercules/Xena Convention in 1998, this prop display was set up in the Burbank Hilton parking during the convention took place and it was assembled by a company called Imagination Creators for MCA/Universal. The main problem was that the display case was set up directly to the sun and was really difficult to take good photos.

 

All props displayed are easily identificable: a Horde axe, chakram, breast dagger, Callisto sword, Xena sword and the “Miss Amphipolis” contest scroll. 

Well, I decided to recreate this beautiful Xena prop display with some of my stuff and a purple velvet fabric I have, was too funny! After 25 years here it is again, same display with the highest resolution ever to see every single detail. 

In this case, there is my retractable metal screenused Xena sword, the screenused “Miss Amphipolis” contest scroll, the screenused Horde axe, Original Xena Creation Limited Edition Chakram replica, Callisto Creation Limited Edition sword replica and to end up, the Todd’s Coyle Limited Edition breast dagger.

viernes, 27 de octubre de 2023

Iconic swords

This last year I have the chance to find all these beauties: Xena Creation sword, Callisto Creation sword, screen used Livia sword and screen used Prometheus sword. Which one is your favorite?


jueves, 26 de octubre de 2023

Callisto Creation sword

I never thought I would find the iconic Callisto metal sword prop replica forged by the actual Xena prop masters at Pacific Renaissance in New Zealand. 

 
General view 1.

General view 2. Signed side.

 It is a limited run to 250 worldwide, probably the rarest Xena metal prop replica around the world. 

Handle close-up. Side 1.

Handle close-up. Side 2.

In this case, this sword was auctioned off in 2002 at the Xena Con in California and donations for auction went for Kevin Smith’s family after he passed away. Some of those swords were signed by the Xena cast including Lucy, Renée, Hudson, Ted and others members. 


  

Callisto sword is iconic in itself, you can see this sword during all the seasons, so Callisto wasn’t the only character that used this sword style along the tv series. During season 1-4 was used mostly by Callisto played by Hudson Leick. After, in season 5 during the last episodes (Livia, Eve and Motherhood) was used by Virgil played by William Gregory Lee and later, in season 6, was seen in “When Fates collide” used by Julius Caesar played by Karl Urban. 

The sword is in mint condition with just a few visible scratches. It is made completely of metal, the handle textured fabric was casted too. If I almost had all my xena props dreams came true, Callisto Creation sword was probably one of the hardest to reach out.


Reference photos and screencaps:














viernes, 22 de septiembre de 2023

My collection: Favorite props and replicas

Today I bring you a pair of photos of my Xena collection favorite props and replicas. Xena Creation Entertainment sword is always a "Must", as the dark chakram, yin yang chakram and Gabrielle sais. On the other hand, a screen used Xena hero metal sword is always an iconic piece from the series like the Prometheus hero metal sword with "faux" gems inlay.


In the second photo, you have my Xena displayed costume in the left side: The costume combines a screenused stunt Xena breastplate, back plate and shoulder guards (with a real copper hammered parts done by a black smith based in Xena latest seasons style). The gauntlets and armbands are Limited Edition replicas distributed by Creation Entertainment, Knee guards are screenused ones, boots are from Todd's Costumes early work and the Xena leathers were made by me based in the screenused season 3/4 Xena costume with a real copper medallion done by the same black smiths that did Xena armour in New Zealand. 


In the right side, it is Gabrielle screen worn season 6 velvet costume with real silver cuffs and armband purchased from the same company that did the ones seen on screen, boots and sai straps (s6 style) are screenused. Also, Gabrielle season 6 Limited Edition necklace replica distributed by Creation Entertainment.

jueves, 21 de septiembre de 2023

Xena Todd's Breast Dagger prop replica

I always loved the Todd's Costumes Breast dagger replica due of different reasons: well, the design is more clear and more defined than the Creation Entertainment replicas, probably more screen accurate, lines more defined lines and more accentuated details. The background plaque where the dagger is embedded is stunning. The resin plaque has scorpion reliefs and some intentional break marks. Without a doubt, it is very accurate and it has the vintage antique style that I always liked for Xena props and replicas.


The complete set is in mint condition, almost as new, and the Breast Dagger blade is quite sharp. I never imagine that was going to be such a real weapon. The handle has a garnet leather strip around, maybe a little wide, in my opinion, but a clear sign of Todd's Costumes work.


This Breast Dagger or Cleavage Knife was a limited run of 3000 units. In this case, it is number #23, a very low number that why the definition of the dagger is great. We all know that after a certain number of reproductions the molds gradually deteriorate and the replicas lose definition and quality.

miércoles, 6 de septiembre de 2023

Screen used metal Hero Hephestus / Prometheus

Hephestus/ Prometheus screen used metal one-of-a-kind sword prop is dream came true recently. This iconic sword was seen in the “Prometheus” episode from season 1 and after, with a different fabric in the handle and a few “faux” jewels changed was seen in the episode “The Quill is the Mightier” in season 3. Also, this sword appeared in the episode “The sword of Veracity” of season 2 from HTLJ tv series. 


The metal prop swords are extremely rare, probably some of those were just one-of-a-kind pieces that after were casted in resin to be used by the actors and stunts to prevent damages. That is also why I believe that this sword was used in the “Prometheus”episode and after modified for the season 3 episode, inspecting a little bit seems that the old “Prometheus” handle fabric is behind the actual one.

Side 1

Side 2

Handle close-up.

Metal sword props were just seen in close-ups and a few scenes that the shine and bright of the sword is required. This awesome sword is quite heavy and very detailed. The handle has a garnet velvet fabric with golden ribbons intertwined. It combines green and red faux jewels in both sides, just missing a pair of them. The red diamond shape "faux" jewel in the pommel is quite awesome and it is in mint condition in both sides.

  


A few close-ups of the handle, pommel and guard of the sword.

The COA reveals that this sword is “Hephestus Ornate Sword” and was used in XWP tv series. I think I need a huge rock to be displayed properly.


Photos & screen captures for reference: