Resin Xena sword replica by Todd's Costumes

Hey people!

Today there're not enough new Xena props or replicas online to make a proper eBay Monday Roundup, but nevertheless there is one very interesting listing that may deserve your attention.

I'm talking about a very rare and old Xena sword replica, made by Todd Coyle from Todd's Costumes back when he produced replicas for fans and his work was not officially licensed by Davis Panzer. The sword comes with a replica scabbard from back then as well.

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes

   > Number: Unnumbered

   > COA: Includes paperwork provided by the author
   > Seller: pshepp1390

   > Price: $600 plus FREE shipping (only USA)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161755096678

This sword is quite a rarity. I've only ever seen one like this before. It's made of hard resin instead of metal (unlike Todd's Costumes later iterations of Xena's sword) and hand-painted with quite fragile materials - the sword actually came/comes with very detailed instructions about the way to retouch the paint if needed. Neat.

On the other hand, let's be clear about something: this first replica is "imperfect". Later versions changed many details and polished quite a few details, which overall made them more screen accurate. For example, the patinas in both the blade and the handle are somehow clumsy here, whilst they became much more realistic afterwards.

Here you can appreciate the (simple) patina work.

However, these imperfections are in fact what make this replica valuable. This sword is a piece of a larger puzzle, that of the evolutive and ever-changing creative process behind all well-mastered replicas. The very first step. And that should be taken into account.

The scabbard is equally old and rare, and I must say equally imperfect - which I know firsthand since I have one of these very early unnumbered scabbards. Similarly to his sword replicas, Mr. Coyle actually improved his scabbards quite a lot after he was licensed, since it appears he started using what seem to be materials of higher quality.

All in all, this listing has a VERY good price for a piece (or pieces) that can't be described as any other thing than a collector's price. This are NOT the greatest Xena sword and scabbard replicas ever (and if you're looking for that you should avoid buying these) but two pieces with a lot of "historical" value and emotional weight within the world of Xena collecting.

>> NOTE: I have updated my Xena sword Comparisons according to this information. I invite you to take a look to that entry as well!