I don't normally post a wall o' pictures, but these auction finds are an exception. Once they're sold there's no real reason to keep the galleries up. I hate seeing inspirational material like this just vanish.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Vampires Beware
Kamelot Auctions brings us another Blomberg-style vampire hunting kit. It's a pretty standard bit of assemblage, but the plaster icon is a nice touch. I believe the "stakes" are actually re-purposed furniture legs. I've noticed that many of the more recent offerings are using that approach. The box itself is full of character.
I don't normally post a wall o' pictures, but these auction finds are an exception. Once they're sold there's no real reason to keep the galleries up. I hate seeing inspirational material like this just vanish.
I don't normally post a wall o' pictures, but these auction finds are an exception. Once they're sold there's no real reason to keep the galleries up. I hate seeing inspirational material like this just vanish.
That is a great box.
ReplyDeleteThis prop kit deserves a wall ‘o pictures because it really has a good overall feel and curb appeal. I have to say I am very impressed. The box has been masterfully refinished and well simulates age, avoiding obvious cliché abuse such as chain distressing and other tricks of the fake antique trade. The furniture all appears to be original. The level of detail, blending original and new-made items along with repurposed items shows a good eye and an understanding of the genre. The little Belgian box lock pistol is fun and the modern but aged dagger also works well. I didn’t see a host carrier, but that is an easy defect to fix if it is indeed missing.
ReplyDeleteBloomberg style vampire hunting cases have a two fold use: Religious implements to restrain or drive off the vampire and mundane weapons (stakes) to destroy the helpless vampire. So these type cases are a fusion of the ethereal and the corporeal – both offensive and defensive. Additionally, you might check out WWII era field portable chaplain kits for inspiration. They didn’t have guns in these boxes as the celebrants had plenty of those on hand. http://daryldensford.com/2013/06/23/army-chaplain-kits/ and http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/142270-wwii-d-day-chaplain-kit/ and http://forum.germandaggers.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=248670
Of note to you really advanced prop makers: the box furniture shows extensive corrosion to the iron and that corrosion leeches into the wood itself, leaving a tell-tale stain transferred by contact into the fabric of the wood, but that expected aura is missing on careful examination. But really I don’t add this here to be picky, but just give some pointers that add an extra touch of realism. Other than that easy to miss detail, (and extraneous to the general public) it is an absolute masterpiece.
I have an affinity for these. They really are a master class in believable propmaking in my opinion. Great stuff!
ReplyDelete