For Sale: Mike's Model boat from S5 "Antony & Cleopatra"

Hey there friends!

I've been meaning to put together this entry for some time now. Mike, a fellow collector, has a very rare piece for sale: the model boat used for filming some naval sequences in S5's "Antony & Cleopatra".

As you can see, this is a very intricate, one-of-a-kind piece. Mike tells me that the model "was damaged a couple of years ago, when it was in storage". Nevertheless, he's fixed it, although some parts are missing.

Here a screen-capture of the model in the episode:

And a link to the episode. Mike tells me the ship's scenes are near the end of the episode:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6i9mv9

The price is $1500. If you want more info, please let me know and I'll put you in contact with Mike. Now enjoy some more photos of the model!

For Sale: Heather's Collection

Hello everyone!

I briefly come back from "retirement" to bring you the awesome prop and replica of a fellow Xenite, Heather. Heather sadly has to let go most of her collection to help with medical expenses --but we're confident that her treasures at least will find new loving homes!

Let's see what Heather has to offer, folks!

- XENA'S GOLDEN LYRE FROM S5  "LYRE, LYRE, HEARTS ON FIRE"

First we have the totally astonishing guitar-weapon that Xena brandishes during S5 "Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire". As you can see from the pictures, this lyre it's quite the masterpiece --full of intricate details as seen on its medallion and its mosaic-like sound hole.

This piece is perfectly preserved and comes with a "It's a Wrap!" COA. As far as Heather knows, it's one of a kind.

She's asking $3,000 plus shipping for it.

- GABRIELLE'S RESIN SAIS S5/S6

The second lot is a pair of resin (stunt) sais --Gabrielle's trademark weapons during Seasons 5 and 6. I don't think these pieces need much introduction!

These sais are original and screen-used, and also come with a COA from the "It's a Wrap!" US auction. Rennée O'Connor herself (and not only her doubles) used sais such as this in action sequences. Remember that the metal ones were rarely used on set.

Heather's asking $3,000 plus shipping for them.

- TODD'S COSTUMES SAIS REPLICA

Apart from the screen-used sais set that you just saw, Heather's also offering a pair of replica sais from Todd's Costumes. These include Gabrielle's leg leather straps (also a replica made by Todd's Costumes, that for some reason hasn't been on stock for many years).

Let me tell you, both the sais and the leg straps are VERY fine replicas --which I'm pretty sure date back to the days when Todd Coyle produced his first (and high quality) unlicensed replicas.

For these, Heather's asking $400 plus shipping.

- LIVIA/CALLISTO'S PROP LATTICE DAGGER

I'm pretty sure you all will also recognize this piece. Now not to? This dagger was seen all the time during the series, for example during S3 "The Debt" (when Xena comes out of the water). Additionally, both Callisto and later Livia (Xena's daughter) used it many times too.

Heather tells me that one edge is sharp (rare!). Described as "Narrow Lattice Dagger", it also comes with a "It's a Wrap!" COA.

- SCROLL PROP FROM S3 "THE QUILL IS MIGHTIER"

Now, this is a rare treasure! For those scroll-lovers out there, Heather brings us this beautiful scroll. As the most experts amongst you will notice, it's one of Gabrielle's trademark scrolls (which we can always tell thanks to its distinctive end caps / golden ornaments).

Also, as you can see, there's some "modern" writing that reads "Xena Rules!" and "Gabrielle was here". Who knows? Maybe Rennée O'Connor herself scribbled these sentences during one of the many scenes in which she had to pretend to be writing.

This scroll has no COA. Heather's letting it go for only $500 plus shipping.

- GABRIELLE'S S6 NECKLACE (SCREEN-USED PROP)

Another of Heather's treasure is this necklace --a screen-used piece, seen around Gabrielle's neck during the whole S6. As far as we know, there's only another original necklace prop out there. This one in particular was sold by "Shed 11 Costume House" some years ago.

The necklace doesn't have the COA, but it comes in the original "Shed11Costume House" box. The price to this piece is something to discuss with Heather directly.

- CREATION ENT. YIN YANG CHAKRAM REPLICA

Next is a very nice Y&Y chakram replica. It comes without its shadowbox or COA, but it's clearly a Creation Entertainment replica.

The price for this well-preserved chakram is $500 plus shipping.

- TODD'S COSTUMES XENA ARMBANDS & GAUNTLETS REPLICAS

Last but not least, we have these replica armbands and gauntlets, manufactured by Todd's Costumes.

From the quality of the making, I'd venture to say that these are also early replicas --which had a considerably higher quality than his later versions.

Heather's asking $250 plus shipping for them (which trust me, is a MUCH better bargain than what you'll find at Todd's Costumes right now).

***

This is it! If you're interested, please write Heather an e-mail at:

hmryan71@gmail.com

Please, don't hesitate to let her know if some of the pricier props catch your eye but are a bit out of your budget. Heather's open to all SERIOUS offers.

Have a great day, and... until next time?

Do you want to write for Xena Prop Treasures?

Dear friends,

I know entries have been scarce for a long while now. Many other obligations have me tied up on a daily basis, and it's very hard to find time to write. Xena props news are not very usual as of late either. If to that we add that having this website updated is a very demanding yet at times quite unrewarding task, I think you may understand a bit how I feel.

However, instead of saying my goodbyes, I have a proposition for all of you. A friend and reader, Epiphane David, has suggested that I turn Xena Prop Treasures into an open platform. Meaning: any of you with something to say about the Xena prop world (curiosities, information, comparisons, photos of your collections...) can send me an e-mail and I will publish your stuff from here. With proper credit, of course.

I do believe this can be a good idea, because:
- The platform stays alive.
- The information keeps flowing.
- All of us can share our piece of knowledge and satiate the "thirst" of each other (if that makes sense to you lol).

I can compromise to work as "filter" and add any relevant data I may know to your contributions.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this!

Battle on,

Vicente aka Secret Kabeiros

For Sale: Sabrina's Collection (Part 2)

Hello everyone!

Remember Sabrina, whose collection I told you about some months ago? Well, she wants to sell some new pieces, and I think many of you will be interested. They are quite cool, so let's take a look, shall we?

- LIVIA'S / VARIA'S RESIN SWORD AND SCABBARD

   > Character: Livia (Eve) and Varia, over S5 and S6.

   > Material: Heavy resin. Leather.

   > Price: $400 plus shipping

   > Opinion: An amazing piece. This sword was/is a work of art. Its design is very intricate and detailed, and it kind of reminds me of Callisto's sword. Which makes sense. Anyhow, although not the metal hero prop, but this is definitely a piece made to see up-close in the camera. The paint seems very well preserved, so that is good too. A very very nice piece!

- ARES SCROLL

   > Character: Unknown.

   > Material: Parchment / Scroll paper.

   > Price: $300 plus shipping

   > Opinion: Scrolls are very rare, and very sought after collector pieces. This one has the Ares emblem, and it's similar to at least another prop scroll I've seen before. It's very well preserved, but it comes without the rods. Also, Sabrina asked me to clarify the frame is not part of the deal. If you want the frame too then talk to her for a price quote.

- DRACO'S / IDES OF MARCH DAGGER

   > Character: Draco. Gabrielle. Others.

   > Material: Resin.

   > Price: $150 plus shipping

   > Opinion: This roman-style dagger is one of the most recognizable dagger models in the entire series! It was used dozens of times by many characters, most prominently by Draco in S1 "Sins of the Past" and Gabrielle in S4 "Ides of March". Painted to look like gold, leather and steel. I have seen a few examples of this style dagger and this one is in excellent condition. Sabrina also acquired it from long time Xena collector Xenasbard.

- PROP DAGGER

   > Character: Unknown.

   > Material: Resin. Fabric?

   > Price: $150 plus shipping

   > Opinion: I'm sure I've seen this dagger before, although I don't know where. If someone does please let me know. It was sold by It's a Wrap! and comes with all their paperwork.

***

And that's all, friends. Sabrina still has some of the pieces seen last time for sale, with reduced prices. So if you're interested don't doubt to let her know.

This is her mail address:

sthurlow@gmail.com

I heartily hope these pieces will soon find a caring home!

Cheers everyone!

Lucy Lawless explaining the Xena costume

Greeting Xenites!

I recently found this video, and I've thought some of you might not know it. It's part of the "Behind the Scenes" documentary made in the year 2000 during the filming of S6 "Who's Gurkhan?".

In this part of the documentary, segmented here, Lucy Lawless explains to her fans the different parts of her costume and armor, and the meaning behind some of the pieces.

Enjoy!

PS: Never mind the title of the video, it seems to be a silly joke made by the uploader. "New Wonder Woman costume"... ha-ha so funny.

Totara Peak Gallery - A Xena oasis at Omarama, NZ

Hello everybody!

Today I wanted to tell you about a very small and special place at Omarama, a small township near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. There you can find Totara Peak Gallery, the only antique shop in the area and "an eclectic mix of antiques, rare books and new and old costume jewellery".

The shop is located on the road to Queenstown, Mt Cook, Christchurch and Oamaru - it's, in their own words, "in the middle of nowhere, but in fact it is in the center of everywhere". 

http://www.omaramaantiques.com/museum.html

But what's so special about this place? Well, somewhere in their labyrinth of curiosities and antiques Totara Peak Gallery holds a spectacular shrine of original Xena props and costumes, including a full Xena costume.

Yes, that's right. I've known this for years, but until recently I was unable to get good HQ pictures of the measures hold at Omarama. Luckily, photographer and amazing manaia artist M. Navarre recently arrived there by chance and has been very kind to share his photos with us.

So let's go and take a look! Warning: HEAVY pics ahead!

General overview 1

General overview 2

Now let's focus on the juicy stuff: the Xena costume. "Original Xena costumes purchased in Auckland surround the Xena centerpiece".

Xena costume 1

Xena costume 2

Xena costume 3

Xena costume close-up: knee-guards and boots.

Xena costume: Description.

As you can read, the body piece is leather, the armbands and gauntlets are copper and leather (Creation Ent. replicas), and the breastplate and other armor parts are resin (stunts). Nevertheless, the resin pieces are so finely made and so well taken care of that they look exactly like copper. Amazing! And what do you say about that shot with the knee-guards? I love it.

Alongside Xena's costume is Daphne's costume. Remember her from S5 "Little Problems"? She was a child whose body was briefly inhabited by Xena's spirit. The owners say: "The childs costume worn by New Zealand actress Rose McIver is special to us - Rose was our neighbor in Auckland and we still follow her career".

Other costumes of the collection are: a couple of armored soldiers, a man with a turban, an Amazon or similar, and many loose weapons and props.

Soldier 1

Soldier 2 - "Tazor"

Tazor description.

Amazon or similar.

It's not very clear in this shot, but at the right side of the "amazon" there's a baby carrier with a baby mannequin in full costume. The costume doesn't look like Eve's, but who knows...

In the next shot the baby is more visible in the background.

Copper? vase over statue.

Gabrielle's bombs description.

Ahhhh! The famous Gabrielle bombs seen in S5! Some of them lie around... Where exactly? Go back to the close-up of Xena's knee-guards and you'll see them, hidden behind the Xena mannequin. 

Stag banner.

Stag banner, shield, dragon, spears... 

Bone and stone clubs... from the Horde, perhaps?

Spears and what appears to be a Celtic banner.

And that's all! I hope you enjoyed seen these pictures as much as me.

Once again, thanks a thousand to M. Navarre for his photos, they're amazing!

Cheers people!

AUSXIP Starship Charity Auction 2016

Hello people!

It's that time of the year again, the time for the amazing annual AUSXIP Starship Charity Auction at ausxip.com! This is my third year covering this event since I created this blog. Time does fly!

Direct link: http://charity.ausxip.com

As usual, the Auction starts today (March 21st) and will take place until the 27th. This year's doesn't seem to include any props or costumes, but it does have many cool images and merchandising, as well as TONS of other Xena stuff and memorabilia.

Remember that like always all the funds will go to The Starship Foundation, a healthcare service and teaching center for children based in New Zealand. You can find more info at AUSXIP's main page:

http://ausxip.com

Battle on!