Black Falcon - White Torso with Zipper and Triangles (Modified/Mismatched)
cas099 (Torso focus) · Castle
Black Falcons · 1984 - 1992 (Age of components)
Figure ID
cas099 (Torso focus)
Theme
Castle
Year Released
1984 - 1992 (Age of components)
Rarity
Uncommon as individual parts; Rare as a specific torso variant.
Head
Classic LEGO smiley face (two dot eyes and a smile) with a Black Minifigure Headgear Helmet Castle Shallow Grille.
Torso
White torso with Black Falcon zipper and triangle print. It features a diagonal zipper from right shoulder to left waist and two small triangles. Back is unprinted. White arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Plain red legs without printing. These are likely a replacement as Black Falcons usually wore blue, black, or grey.
Accessories
Flat Silver (or Light Gray) Shortsword. This is a classic Castle weapon common across multiple knight themes.
Color Scheme
A primary palette of white, black, red, and yellow. The black helmet provides a stark contrast to the white torso.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing characteristic of the 1980s. The design is minimalistic with solid black ink on a white plastic base. No arm or leg printing.
Variants
The torso appears in several Black Falcon sets, sometimes with different colored arms or paired with blue/black legs. This specific red-legged version is a personal assembly (MOC).
Condition Notes
Check for 'yellowing' on the white torso plastic. The black print on the 'zipper' often fades or scratches. Cracks on the side of the torso (under the arms) are common for this era.
Estimated Value
$8.00 - $15.00 USD for the torso and head; the red legs are common filler parts ($0.50).
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $5.00 to $50.00 in the 1980s.
Compatible Sets
Set 6074 (Black Falcon's Fortress), Set 6011 (Black Knight's Treasure), Set 6030 (Catapult).
Character Background
The Black Falcons were one of the original 'factions' of LEGO Castle, known for their iconic bird crest and rivalry with the Crusaders.
Design Notes
The 'zipper' torso is a classic of the mid-80s, representing light gambeson or cloth armor rather than the heavy plate armor seen in later years.
Similar Minifigures
Classic Black Falcon (cas049), Black Knight (cas148), and other '80s yellow-faced Castle knights.
Collectibility
High for 'Vintage Castle' enthusiasts. The torso is iconic for those rebuilding 80s sets, though this specific assembly is not a factory-standard figure.
History
This figure represents the transition from the 'Basic' LEGO aesthetic to 'Themed' play, where factions were first introduced in 1984.
Interesting Facts
The 'zipper' design is actually a stylized representation of a tunic opening, but is colloquially known as the 'zipper' or 'triangle' knight among collectors.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a vintage Castle diorama or a faction-based shadow box. Red elements suggest a mercenary or turncoat status for this specific figure.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; swapping the legs for blue or black would restore it to its official 1980s appearance.
Overall Assessment
A charming piece of LEGO history. While the legs are non-standard, the torso and helmet remain highly desirable for collectors of the legendary Black Falcons faction.