Simply send us an email to tannisprops@gmail.com and we will add you to our private update list, and we do mean private. We will never give, sell or trade your email address to anyone. No spam, just a message every couple of months from us letting you know what's in the works or when new items are available. We will also notify mailing list members first of any sales, special promotions, events and specials. Did you know that once a year Tannis Props has a secret sale where one item is listed with a starting bid of only $1? Some eagle-eyed collectors have walked away with some great deals in the past, but even they didn't have the advantage of knowing about these promotions in advance.
Sign up now, we promise we won't flood your email box and you can unsubscribe at any time just by letting us know you are no longer interested.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
New book from Tannis Props: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas
The "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas" (TTLUTS) limited edition hardcover book promises to be one of the most highly anticipated products ever from Tannis Props!
The design and features of the book remains a closely-guarded secret but we can tell you a few small details based on an early pre-production prototype we saw. The cover is tentatively planned to be a beautiful ocean green hue with lovely natural variations to the hide. Unlike the Grail Diary edition, the TTLUTS book will not be artificially aged to look worn, but Tannis did explained to us they want the book to have the look of a well-loved and treasured family heirloom, and this specially created leather suits that requirement perfectly. It has the appearance of natural age and handling by delicate hands.
We also have some insights about the editions themselves, and believe there will be two versions of this book that may be sold simultaneously or perhaps offered at different times. One version will be the Special Edition and will be entirely hand-made with lots of beautiful handiwork by multiple craftspeople, but there is also a Supreme Edition that will be made in very low numbers, that will feature illuminations and artwork that has been hand-painted, gold leafed Chapter headers, a unique ornate front cover, and maybe a small separate item such as a replica of the Tannis designed "Nautilus" submarine.
We are forbidden from showing any images of the new book yet, but do have this sneak peek at the cover leather to tide you over for now.
If you want to be on the mailing list for updates on this and other Tannis Props items, just send us a message at tannisprops@gmail.com
The design and features of the book remains a closely-guarded secret but we can tell you a few small details based on an early pre-production prototype we saw. The cover is tentatively planned to be a beautiful ocean green hue with lovely natural variations to the hide. Unlike the Grail Diary edition, the TTLUTS book will not be artificially aged to look worn, but Tannis did explained to us they want the book to have the look of a well-loved and treasured family heirloom, and this specially created leather suits that requirement perfectly. It has the appearance of natural age and handling by delicate hands.
We also have some insights about the editions themselves, and believe there will be two versions of this book that may be sold simultaneously or perhaps offered at different times. One version will be the Special Edition and will be entirely hand-made with lots of beautiful handiwork by multiple craftspeople, but there is also a Supreme Edition that will be made in very low numbers, that will feature illuminations and artwork that has been hand-painted, gold leafed Chapter headers, a unique ornate front cover, and maybe a small separate item such as a replica of the Tannis designed "Nautilus" submarine.
We are forbidden from showing any images of the new book yet, but do have this sneak peek at the cover leather to tide you over for now.
If you want to be on the mailing list for updates on this and other Tannis Props items, just send us a message at tannisprops@gmail.com
Friday, November 26, 2010
Grail Diary variations
We know there were several editions of the Grail Diary with various changes between them, and sometimes changes were made in the middle of a production run in order to make certain that the customer was getting the best available version. Our categories below don't reflect the names given to the various series by Tannis, but rather indicate the major changes to the editions as they were built. Here's what we know so far:
Original Grail Diary
These first few Diaries seem to number only about 3 or 4 pieces because they were originally made for friends of someone at the prop house and were not fully accurate representations. They can be easily identified because they are only about 1/2 to 3/4 the thickness of an accurate Diary. They are all in private hands but at least one was made available publicly. It is believed that they are not marked in any way as being made by Tannis Props so they would be difficult to find today. We are always happy to help you determine if you have an authentic Tannis Diary.
Second Series
This second edition, as we call it, featured Kangaroo hide for the cover. This is an extremely costly leather, one of the most expensive you can buy in fact. This seems to be one of the rarest of the Grail Diary editions because Tannis switched over to a more standard hide after several buyers insisted that they would rather have a less expensive Diary than one made with the better material. Kangaroo hide was originally chosen because of it's unique appearance, and if you are lucky enough to see one, or better yet to own one of these rare gems, you understand why. The colors and natural variation as well as the way the hide ages naturally with handling, makes it the best choice for those who value artistic beauty over 100% screen accuracy. The rich, tobacco color of the hide has a radiance and visual appeal that regular cow or goat hides do not. Today, these "Kangaroo Diaries" as they are informally known, are the most desirable and sought after by many collectors.
Third Series
The third series came along with many more pages that were hand watercolored, also more inserts were made and several interior pages were updated. Some notable changes were the addition of a separate plate for the Christ painting which was glued in place opposite a similar crucifixion scene depicted as a painted drawing. A small number of Diaries were made with pigskin as a test for durability. While the hides proved to be very durable, this extra strength made them very difficult to properly age and make to look worn. The worn areas tend to be more whitish than brown and the texture of the hide is more easily seen. These don't seem to command any more interest than the regular hide version among collectors, but likely because most can't tell the subtle differences between the two.
Gold Edition
We believe there were as few as two individual Diaries that featured real gold leaf applied to some of the detail work. We do not have any images for these books but would love to see photos if you or someone you know owns one.
Prototypes
There are as many as three prototypes known to exist but it is unclear if they cover the various editions or simply reflect changes made to the books as the series ran. We have seen the official Prototype Grail Diary in the Tannis Props private collection and it's a work of art. We were told that it is a test-bed of sorts and that it has had pages and artwork added and altered over the years and because of this, it is different from all other Grail Diaries that have been made. This is a true one-of-a-kind and will most likely never be offered to the public.
Certificates of Authenticity/Edition Marks
The early Diaries did not come with any sort of certificate, but rather were marked by hand with the edition number and size. Later they came with a full page certificate that was signed and numbered by Tannis. Later editions received a smaller, card-like certificate that changed with each year or edition. There may be as many as three or four different versions of this certificate. The last few Diaries produced may or may not have certificates. I understand that Tannis began marking the inside cover with a unique stamp that only the last 10-20 received and originally this replaced the certificates, but some may also have an accompanying certificate.
We will authenticate any Grail Diary free of charge, in some cases this can be done through email with photos but may require you to deliver the actual book in rare instances for a more complete evaluation. You are responsible only for paying insured shipping both ways.
Original Grail Diary
These first few Diaries seem to number only about 3 or 4 pieces because they were originally made for friends of someone at the prop house and were not fully accurate representations. They can be easily identified because they are only about 1/2 to 3/4 the thickness of an accurate Diary. They are all in private hands but at least one was made available publicly. It is believed that they are not marked in any way as being made by Tannis Props so they would be difficult to find today. We are always happy to help you determine if you have an authentic Tannis Diary.
Second Series
This second edition, as we call it, featured Kangaroo hide for the cover. This is an extremely costly leather, one of the most expensive you can buy in fact. This seems to be one of the rarest of the Grail Diary editions because Tannis switched over to a more standard hide after several buyers insisted that they would rather have a less expensive Diary than one made with the better material. Kangaroo hide was originally chosen because of it's unique appearance, and if you are lucky enough to see one, or better yet to own one of these rare gems, you understand why. The colors and natural variation as well as the way the hide ages naturally with handling, makes it the best choice for those who value artistic beauty over 100% screen accuracy. The rich, tobacco color of the hide has a radiance and visual appeal that regular cow or goat hides do not. Today, these "Kangaroo Diaries" as they are informally known, are the most desirable and sought after by many collectors.
Third Series
The third series came along with many more pages that were hand watercolored, also more inserts were made and several interior pages were updated. Some notable changes were the addition of a separate plate for the Christ painting which was glued in place opposite a similar crucifixion scene depicted as a painted drawing. A small number of Diaries were made with pigskin as a test for durability. While the hides proved to be very durable, this extra strength made them very difficult to properly age and make to look worn. The worn areas tend to be more whitish than brown and the texture of the hide is more easily seen. These don't seem to command any more interest than the regular hide version among collectors, but likely because most can't tell the subtle differences between the two.
Gold Edition
We believe there were as few as two individual Diaries that featured real gold leaf applied to some of the detail work. We do not have any images for these books but would love to see photos if you or someone you know owns one.
Prototypes
There are as many as three prototypes known to exist but it is unclear if they cover the various editions or simply reflect changes made to the books as the series ran. We have seen the official Prototype Grail Diary in the Tannis Props private collection and it's a work of art. We were told that it is a test-bed of sorts and that it has had pages and artwork added and altered over the years and because of this, it is different from all other Grail Diaries that have been made. This is a true one-of-a-kind and will most likely never be offered to the public.
Certificates of Authenticity/Edition Marks
The early Diaries did not come with any sort of certificate, but rather were marked by hand with the edition number and size. Later they came with a full page certificate that was signed and numbered by Tannis. Later editions received a smaller, card-like certificate that changed with each year or edition. There may be as many as three or four different versions of this certificate. The last few Diaries produced may or may not have certificates. I understand that Tannis began marking the inside cover with a unique stamp that only the last 10-20 received and originally this replaced the certificates, but some may also have an accompanying certificate.
We will authenticate any Grail Diary free of charge, in some cases this can be done through email with photos but may require you to deliver the actual book in rare instances for a more complete evaluation. You are responsible only for paying insured shipping both ways.
Help us create the Tannis props archive.
We are trying to compile a list of all the items, from series productions to one-offs, that have been created by Tannis Props. We hope to eventually compile a complete and accurate archive for the use of all collectors around the world.
So far, these are the items we know were produced:
Adventurer Series
Help us complete the list and let us know if there is anything we do not have listed. Photos and details are always appreciated. tannisprops@gmail.com
So far, these are the items we know were produced:
Adventurer Series
- Grail Diary In series production since 2001, unknown production. Believed to be three series and several prototypes. One prototype in public hands, several in company's private collection.
- Jeweled Ceremonial Chestplate 3-known including the prototype all in public hands, one was destroyed in shipping.
- VooDoo Doll One known to exist, in public hands
- Monkey Head Dinner Prop Unknown production at this time, believed to be 4 or less. Prototype remains in the hands of Tannis props, though it has been offered for sale in the past.
- Nurhache's Urn Several variations produced, believed to be less than 10 worldwide.
- Sanskrit Cloth A handful of these were made and the quality of the artwork is impressive. We are not sure if they were signed, mounted in any way.
- 1/6 scale Grail Tablet Unlimited production, unknown how many were produced.
- Webley Pistol Replica Unknown production but believed to be less than 10 produced.
- Smith & Wesson Pistol Replica Unknown production but believed to be less than 10 produced.
- Meerschaum Pipe Limited Edition, total numbers unknown.
- Vampire Hunter Kit Intended as full production, only one made to date. In public hands.
(Vampire kit featuring pre-ban ivory crucifix w/ sterling silver ribbon, oxblood carnelian cabochon, antique box.)
Help us complete the list and let us know if there is anything we do not have listed. Photos and details are always appreciated. tannisprops@gmail.com
Send us YOUR pics!
We would love to feature pictures of your Tannis Props collectibles. Just send us photos and a few words about your collection, or maybe how or why you came to own one the props. We will post messages here as they come in. Message us at tannisprops@gmail.com
Tannis Props blog is open!
Welcome to the official "unofficial" blog for Tannis Props! Why "unofficial"? Well, Tannis does not maintain a website, blog, facebook, or any web presence really, so we wanted to act as the liaison between the collector community and the folks at Tannis Props. We hope to bring you information on past items, one-of-a-kind products, and about exciting new items as they are developed.
Please email us at any time with your questions and we will work to get answers for you directly from the horse's mouth. Please be patient as we sometimes have to wait for a few days or even weeks when they are especially busy with projects.
We are excited about this new avenue or communication and hope you will enjoy visiting us often!
Please email us at any time with your questions and we will work to get answers for you directly from the horse's mouth. Please be patient as we sometimes have to wait for a few days or even weeks when they are especially busy with projects.
We are excited about this new avenue or communication and hope you will enjoy visiting us often!
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