Chewbacca (Brown, Silver Bandolier)
sw0011a · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy · 2000 (Early LEGO Star Wars era)
Figure ID
sw0011a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2000 (Early LEGO Star Wars era)
Rarity
Uncommon. While mass-produced in the early 2000s, finding this specific variation in high-quality condition is increasingly difficult due to age.
Head
The head is part of a singular 'head-torso' over-mold. It features black eyes and a black nose printed directly onto the reddish-brown plastic with sculpted fur texture.
Torso
Reddish-brown molded piece representing fur. It features a silver and black bandolier printed diagonally across the chest. The arms are matching brown and the hands are standard brown as well.
Legs
Plain reddish-brown unprinted legs with matching hip piece.
Accessories
Typically packaged with a black crossbow (Bowcaster) made of a traditional LEGO crossbow piece #2570.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic reddish-brown primary body with metallic silver and black accents for the bandolier details.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the chest for the bandolier and face. Alignment on early versions can vary slightly. No back or leg printing was included in this era.
Variants
The original sw0011 had a dark gray/brown bandolier; this sw0011a version features the metallic silver bandolier. Later variants (sw0532) added significant detail, tan fur highlights, and leg printing.
Condition Notes
Prone to silver bandolier print fading over time. Check for neck cracks in the torso mold and bite marks on the soft edges of the fur mold.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $12.00 - $18.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by nostalgia rather than extreme scarcity.
Price (New)
Retail context: Included in sets ranging from $20 (Desert Skiff) to $100 (Millennium Falcon) during the 2000-2004 period.
Compatible Sets
7190 Millennium Falcon (2000), 7113 Tusken Raider Encounter (2002), 7119 Cloud City (2003), 4477 T-16 Skyhopper (2003), 10123 Cloud City (2003).
Character Background
Han Solo's loyal Wookiee co-pilot. This figure represents his appearance in the original Star Wars trilogy episodes IV-VI.
Design Notes
This represents one of the earliest aesthetic styles of LEGO Star Wars where realism was secondary to the 'classic' LEGO feel. The head-covering torso mold was a unique solution for the character's height and hair.
Similar Minifigures
sw0011 (Dark gray bandolier), sw0532 (Modern detailed Chewbacca), sw0356 (Han Solo - Original style).
Collectibility
High for 'Purist' classic collectors or those completing original Millennium Falcon crews. Popularity is stable but not rapidly appreciating due to the high volume of modern, better-detailed versions.
History
Debuted in 2000 as an update to the original 1999 gray-bandolier version. This mold was used for over a decade before being completely redesigned in 2014.
Interesting Facts
This specific figure is notorious for being included in the ultra-rare 10123 Cloud City set, though the figure itself is not the rare part of that set.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a gray baseplate next to an original yellow-skinned Han Solo or inside a vintage 7190 Millennium Falcon.
Modification Potential
Commonly used in MOCs for Wookiee armies. Parts are very sturdy for play-based dioramas.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 'Classic' LEGO Star Wars icon. Though lacking modern detail like leg printing or multiple colors, its charm lies in its simplicity and historical importance to the line.