Clone Trooper Sergeant (Phase 1) - Scowl
sw0438 · Star Wars
The Clone Wars · 2013. This figure debuted in the 75000 Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas battle pack during a period when LEGO was transitioning to the 'Angry Clone' face print and more detailed torso detailing.
Figure ID
sw0438
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2013. This figure debuted in the 75000 Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas battle pack during a period when LEGO was transitioning to the 'Angry Clone' face print and more detailed torso detailing.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it only appeared in one set, that set was a high-volume, low-cost battle pack. However, as it is over a decade old, its availability on the secondary market is tighter than modern troopers.
Head
Standard 'Scowl' / 'Angry Clone' face print with dark tan skin tone. The helmet is a Phase 1 mold with olive green / dark red printing. Note that the sergeant is specifically identified by the olive green (often appearing dark red/brownish in certain lighting) rank pips on the helmet and torso.
Torso
Phase 1 armor with Dark Red markings indicating Sergeant rank. Features front and back printing with a utility belt and chest plate contouring. The arms are white with black hands.
Legs
Plain white unprinted legs. This was standard for battle pack troopers of this era to keep set costs low, whereas modern versions often feature toe or knee printing.
Accessories
Originally packaged with a standard DC-15S blaster (small blaster bolt). No additional cloth or life-support gear was included with this specific variant.
Color Scheme
Primary white with Dark Red accents. Gray and black are used for the mechanical details of the armor and the visor line.
Printing Details
Pad printed. High quality for the era with crisp lines on the chest and helmet. The 'scowl' face was a major update over the earlier 'Clone Wars' stylized faces.
Variants
This is the 'Scowl' face variant. An earlier version of the Phase 1 Sergeant existed with the 'large eye' Clone Wars face (sw0442). There are also Captain (Blue), Commander (Yellow), and Lieutenant (Blue) variants.
Condition Notes
Check for 'helmet chin' wear where the red print meets the white plastic. The white plastic is prone to yellowing if exposed to UV. Check for torso cracks under the arms, a common issue for 2013-era torsos.
Estimated Value
Used: $8 - $12 USD. New (extracted from set): $15 - $20 USD. Value has remained stable but sees incremental growth due to 'army building' demand.
Price (New)
Included in set 75000 which retailed for $12.99 USD in 2013. The set included two clones and two droids, making the figure's individual retail value roughly $3.25 at the time.
Compatible Sets
75000 Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas (2013).
Character Background
Clone Troopers with red markings served as Sergeants, commanding squads of 16 troopers. This design is based on their appearance in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and the early seasons of The Clone Wars.
Design Notes
This figure represents the 'realistic' style of Clone Trooper which LEGO switched to after the highly stylized, wide-eyed look of 2008-2012. It bridges the gap between classic and modern aesthetics.
Similar Minifigures
sw0436 (Phase 1 Trooper), sw0492 (Clone Captain), sw0481 (Clone Commander), sw0629 (Lieutenant).
Collectibility
High for army builders but moderate for unique-character collectors. It is a staple of the Phase 1 ranks and essential for a complete GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) display.
History
Phase 1 clones originally used colored arms to denote rank (2002). In 2013, LEGO updated the look to use printed pips on the chest and helmet, which is more screen-accurate to the films.
Interesting Facts
The 'Dark Red' color used for the Sergeant was occasionally misidentified by fans as 'Brown' in early catalog leaks due to the print density on the white plastic.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a formal march formation or inside a Republic Gunship (LAAT/i). UV-protected cases are recommended for white plastic longevity.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' upgrades; many collectors swap the plain legs for printed legs from newer 2020-era Clone Troopers to create a 'definitive' version.
Overall Assessment
A solid, era-appropriate trooper. While it lacks leg printing, the helmet and torso detail are excellent. Rating: 7/10 for collectors, 9/10 for army builders.