Xena Reboot?

Hello Xenites!

I'm sure you've all heard/read the news that have been around these past days about the possibility of a Xena reboot. And I'm sure most of you, like me, don't know what to make of them.

Some usually reliable websites and serious media are saying a new series is definitely happening. On the other hand, Lucy denies any knowledge of it, and declares it is all "wishful thinking". What should we think, then? Are they really considering the options? Is there something in early development? Or perhaps the powers that be are just trying to see if Xena still raises  interest?

I surely don't know, but Mary Dee from AUSXIP has written a very knowledgeable and comprehensive article about it all, leading to interesting (and clarifying) conclusions.

I strongly recommend that you take a look at it!

http://ausxip.com/xena/2015/07/the-great-xena-reboot-will-they-or-wont-they-roundup-get-set-xena-20-or-maybe-not.html

What are you waiting for? Go on and read! :)

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!

100 Entries!

Wow, it's true!

100 entries, no less! After almost two years, tons of research and a good deal of effort this blog has just surpassed the first number worth noticing :) 

Xena Prop Treasures has 100 entries!

It may not seem "much" compared to other blogs, but for me it's a success. Two years ago I hadn't even thought abut writing a blog about Xena props and replicas, but look at me now. It's been a long journey, but if I've made it so far it's thanks to all the Xenites that show interest in prop and replica collecting in this our ever-growing and ever-changing community. 

This is just the beginning...

And this is just the beginning. I still have many many entries planned ahead, including brand new eBay Roundups, Prop and Replica Comparisons, Where's Waldo? entries and much more. And of course (fingers crossed) more My Collection as well. 

So here's for other 100 more! Battle on!

Now let's go for the next 100!

Late Monday eBay Roundup (XX)

Hello people!

I apologize for this late Monday eBay Roundup entry, yesterday I wasn't able to steal any time at all. But better late than never, right? Let's see what new items we can find this week:

- GABRIELLE'S S1 FULL PEASANT COSTUME

   > Character: Gabrielle, during S1

   > Material: Different kinds of fabric (linen?)

   > Papers: COA from It's a Wrap!

   > Seller: deguston

   > Price: $4,000 plus shipping (only USA)

   > Opinion: Just WOW! This is definitely something! A highly iconic, well preserved and super rare piece from the beginning of Season 1 no less! It would deserve a whole entry all by itself :) The costume comes with all the paperwork plus some extra stuff like a handwritten letter from Renée and a signed photo. It's clearly very expensive, but those who collect original costumes will know it's not out of a "usual" price range for pieces like this.

If you want to know more about this costume I refer you to the magnificent replica that Liz (fellow blogger and amazing cosplayer) did and documented in her blog, Gift of the Gab.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351432205642

- SCREENUSED RESIN PROP SWORD

   > Character: Unknown

   > Material: Urethane resin

   > Papers: Not mentioned

   > Seller: llamawerntz

   > Price: $2,500 plus shipping (only USA)

   > Opinion: All right. This is a nice resin sword, and it looks to be in good condition, but come on. No mention of any kind of COA, nor to any character having used it. Just the sword and a very high price. Gab's costume is a unique piece, so the three zeros are worth it, but in my opinion (and judging from previous similar sales) this prop sword is simply overpriced.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261938276351

- AMAZON NECKLACE PROP

   > Character: Unknown Amazon

   > Material: Beads. Leather.

   > Papers: Not included

   > Seller: amazonsrule2015

   > Price: $9.99 plus shipping

   > Opinion: This is more like it. Here we have a very nice looking prop necklace. There's no COA, but seller claims it was used by one/some? of the Amazons. It might be true - there's no reason to doubt the word of the seller (this particular eBayer has been listing Xena props and replicas for a long time, with no bad feedback) and the price is very reasonable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231601013599

- AMAZON BELT PROP

   > Character: Unknown Amazon

   > Material: Leather. Feathers.

   > Papers: Not included

   > Seller: amazonsrule2015

   > Price: $29.99 plus shipping

   > Opinion: Same seller, and similarly interesting scenario. Like the necklace above, this belt is also an alleged amazon piece, with no COA. It too looks really cool, and has a good price - a bit higher due to the more intricate nature of this particular piece.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231601513011

- GABRIELLE JEWELRY SET

   > Character: Gabrielle in S2 "Blind Faith"

   > Material: Metal. Leather.

   > Papers: COA form Turners

   > Seller: beatles-rock

   > Price: $350 plus shipping

   > Opinion: We have seen these before, but price has been reduced to a much more appealing amount, so I saw fit to include them in this week roundup. I invite you to check the listing for more detailed information.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171834510643

- TODD'S COSTUMES XENA SWORD REPLICA #241

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 241/3000

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: roberthsnipes

   > Price: $1,000 plus shipping

   > Opinion: Attention here. This is NOT an "authentic prop" as the listing says, this is a replica. Have that in mind before biding blindly. The COA is included, so you just have to check the photos to confirm what I'm saying. This kind of swords (of which we have seen a few as of late) are usually sold for HALF this price, so don't do anything you may regret later.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161736401957

- FULL XENA COSTUME REPLICA BY TODD'S COSTUMES

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes

   > COA: Not mentioned

   > Seller: marlene0487

   > Price: $1,500 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $2,200

   > Opinion: Todd's Xena costumes are very popular, and this comes for a good price. Listing says it doesn't include the scabbard and that one armband is damaged. Chakram and sword are plastic. Measures can be read in the listing description.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141700402855

- MARTO'S XENA 10th ANNIVERSARY KATANA REPLICA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo

   > Number: Unknown

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: anniehakey01

   > Price: $200 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $500

   > Opinion: Again, a 10th Anniversary gold Xena katana replica. Same opinion as always - nice katana, so-so replica. On the bright side, it comes with a cool stand and price is quite good!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201375948386

***

This is all. This week was full of stuff, wasn't it?

Stay tuned for more very soon!

Cheers

Todd's Costumes at WonderCon 2014

Hey everybody!

I just watched this video and felt like sharing. It's from last year, so some of you may know it already, but for those who don't it's totally worth it!

The video is a very short interview with Todd Coyle from Todd's Costumes recorded at WonderCon 2014. It's quite cool and interesting because as Mr. Coyle and his interviewer speak we get to see very nice shots and close-ups to some of his most popular Xena costume replicas (Xena's, Gabrielle's and Callisto's costumes) along with many other from famous films such as Gladiator or Indiana Jones.

I specially liked the close-ups focused on Gabrielle's leather belt and, of course, Callisto's amazing costume and dagger.

I hope you enjoy the watch! :)

Cheers!

Monday eBay Roundup (XIX)

Greetings everyone!

The last few weeks have been a bit quiet due to the lack of Xena news, but it seems this week things are finally waking up a little. Let's take a look at the new items we can find right now on eBay.

- TODD'S METAL SAIS REPLICA #99

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 099/1000

   > COA: Not included

   > Seller: kalikins2014

   > Price: $200 plus shipping (only USA), or Make Offer

   > Opinion: Sais are not a thing to find on eBay too often, so this is neat! PROS: Cool items, well made, low number, and definitely good price! & CONS: Missing COA, unexperienced seller (only 1 review on their profile) and shipping within the USA only.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251983992112

- MARTO OF TOLEDO XENA'S KATANA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo
   > Number: Not numbered

   > COA: Not mentioned

   > Seller: kalikins2014

   > Price: $300 plus shipping (only USA), or Make Offer

   > Opinion: I've stated my opinion about these katanas in several occasions (nicely made but inaccurate katana). I stick to it. Nevertheless, price seems fair (far less than what we usually find around) and the item looks very well conserved. Same seller as above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251982761595

- MARTO OF TOLEDO GABRIELLE'S KATANA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo
   > Number: Not numbered

   > COA: Not mentioned

   > Seller: gooser2012

   > Price: $99.99 plus shipping

   > Opinion: Why do katanas always seem to come in pairs? :) I've also said what I think of Marto's Gabrielle katanas many times (less accurate than Xena's, but at the same time quite fine katanas). This one is exceptionally cheap, so if you're interested this might be your best chance!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181768400002

- MARTO OF TOLEDO XENA'S SUPER KATANA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo
   > Number: Not numbered

   > COA: Not mentioned

   > Seller: sonofkrypton22

   > Price: $449 plus shipping 

   > Opinion: Samo samo hehe Not the first of these to review either. They come with many cool thingies but these katanas are even less accurate than the regular ones. Still, they are a nice collectible and I'm sure many owners are happy with theirs. This one comes from seller sonofkrypton22 (aka Otsillac) and it's a but more expensive than the one above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141684509828

- RESIN SCREEN-USED BORIAS SWORD

   > Character: Borias. Xena.

   > Material: Urethane resin

   > Papers: COA from Turners

   > Seller: sonofkrypton22

   > Price: $289.99 plus shipping

   > Opinion: Also from Otsillac there's this very cool Borias-style sword. This kind of sword was used by both Borias and Xena (in her evil warlord days), and unless specified it could have been used by either them or the stunt doubles. Original, and very well-conserved for a screen-used prop.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141687699723

- SIGNED XENA PLAQUE AND COSTUME PIECE

   > Character: Xena (or double)

   > Material: Wood. Leather.

   > Papers: Not mentioned

   > Seller: sonofkrypton22

   > Price: $350 plus shipping

   > Opinion: What a curious piece! Otsillac says this is a OOAK (One Of A Kind) piece that was sold by creation Entertainment. It includes a 10x15 photo, signed by Lucy, plus a small piece of leather that seems to have belonged to her costume. Also a small plaque. It looks nice!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141687699547

- TODD'S YIN YANG CHAKRAM #500

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 500/1000

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: beatles-rock

   > Price: $500 plus shipping

   > Opinion: A non-splitting Y&Y chakram. The painting scheme seems a bit dark, but it might be due to the lighting (you should definitely ask the seller). This chakram is a bit more expensive than the ones we've found as of late, but on the brighter side the seller DOES ship outside the US.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171818135980

- GOLDEN WINGED GAUNTLETS

   > Character: Unknown

   > Material: Leather. Rivets.

   > Papers: COA from Turners

   > Seller: traysea

   > Price: $37.99 (2 bids already) plus shipping

   > Opinion: Very nice looking gauntlets. As it usually happens with most Turner's items, these gauntlets are unidentified and could come from either Xena Warrior Princess, Hercules or Young Hercules. If you recognize these gauntlets please let me know or write the seller so they can update the description in their listing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281713841198

***

Well, here we are. End of the entry. Not huge but not bad, huh?

Keep an eye open for updates or new entries, people :)

Cheers!

Monday eBay Roundup (XVIII)

Hey Xenites!

This week we DO have a Monday roundup, isn't that great? :) A few new Xena items have been listed on eBay, and although they're not many they're very cool - I'm sure many of you will be highly interested on them.

So let's take a look, shall we?

- TODD'S SPLITTING CHAKRAM #301

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 301/3000

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $350 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $500

   > Opinion: I hadn't seen one of these in a while. I must say I LOVE this piece - it has a good low number, the paint looks great and it's undoubtedly well conserved. It's worth mentioning that although the COA says 3000, this is a mistake (confirmed by Todd Coyle himself). It should say 301/1000, as the license only covered 1000 units.
>> EDIT: Seller indicated paint is slightly chipped in the handle, and there will be a price reduction when the bidding is over.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674899696

- TODD'S YIN YANG CHAKRAM #488

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 488/1000

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $300 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $500

   > Opinion: Same seller, and very similar piece. This one doesn't split in two pieces, but it's nonetheless a gorgeous piece. I's sure it'll find a loving home without much trouble :)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674903398

- TODD'S COSTUMES XENA'S WHIP #?

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: Unknown 

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $200 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $350

   > Opinion: I reviewed one of these not too long ago (here) and I stick to what I said. Price is quite reasonable too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674876010

- MARTO'S GABRIELLE 10th ANNIVERSARY KATANA REPLICA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo

   > Number: Unknown

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $500 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $700

   > Opinion: What can I say about Marto's 10th Anniversary katanas? Pros: very nicely done pieces, a very realistic katana feel, noble materials, gold... Cons: not very accurate. Specially in this case (Gabrielle's katana) this replica feels little like the original prop (that you can see here).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674852843

- MARTO'S XENA 10th ANNIVERSARY KATANA REPLICA

   > Manufacturer: Marto of Toledo

   > Number: Unknown

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $500 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $700

   > Opinion: Same opinion as in Gabrielle's katana - although I must say Xena's katana replica is slightly more similar to the prop than Gabrielle's. Still, a nice sword. If you want to check a 100% screen accurate Xena katana I invite you to take a look at here.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674825117

***

UPDATED with two more items from the same seller:

- TODD'S COSTUMES XENA'S SWORD #221

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: 221/3000

   > COA: Included

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $300 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $550

   > Opinion: There's not much to say about this sword, it speaks for itself. Very nice and sought-after piece. Similarly to the sword we saw last week (here), this one is listed a very reasonable price, plus it comes with COA and has a good numbering.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674992232

- TODD'S COSTUMES XENA'S SCABBARD #249

   > Manufacturer: Todd's Costumes
   > Number: Unknown 

   > COA: 249/3000

   > Seller: redfox0_0

   > Price: $200 plus shipping (only USA), or Buy Now for $350

   > Opinion: I'm not a huge fan of Todd's Costumes scabbards (hence why I decided to make my own version) but his early pieces had a high quality unseen later on. So although this might not be a 100% screen-accurate scabbard I'm sure it'll be a great collectible. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151674984959


***

That's all. As I said, not many items, but I'm sure they'll fly :)

Stay tuned friends!