Tonto
lr001 · The Lone Ranger
Disney / The Lone Ranger Movie Wave · 2013 - Released in tandem with the Disney film starring Johnny Depp.
Figure ID
lr001
Theme
The Lone Ranger
Year Released
2013 - Released in tandem with the Disney film starring Johnny Depp.
Rarity
Uncommon. While part of a standard retail theme, the theme was short-lived and discontinued, making the main characters more sought after over time.
Head
Nougat skin tone with unique face paint (black and yellow stripes), stern expression, and black pupils. Features a long black hairpiece with an integrated red headband and a molded dead crow on top (part 11529).
Torso
Nougat color. Front printing features traditional warrior bead necklaces, a bird emblem, and bare-chested detailing. Back printing shows continuation of the bead necklace and muscles. Dark nougat hands.
Legs
Dark tan/Nougat legs with intricate printing on both the hips and legs. Designs include a dark brown breechcloth, fringed edges, a medicine bag, and tribal patterns on the sides of the legs.
Accessories
Typically comes with a tomahawk (silver blade, brown handle) and/or a knife. A unique white crow accessory is included in some sets (79110), but the hair-piece crow is the primary feature.
Color Scheme
Primary tones are Nougat, Dark Tan, and Black, accented by the Red headband and Yellow/White face paint details.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. The torso and legs have high-density detail with multi-color layering typical of the early 2010s premium movie-licensed lines.
Variants
There are three slight variations across sets: lr001 (standard), lr011 (quiver on back), and lr016 (bare-headed/no hairpiece in some polybags). The one pictured is the standard lr001.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the red printing on the headband which can scratch off, and the fragile hair-bird mold. Stress marks on the dark nougat hands are common if weapons are left in for long periods.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $8 - $12 USD. New/Mint: $15 - $22 USD. Prices have stabilized since the initial retirement of the theme.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (79106) to $99.99 (79111).
Compatible Sets
79106 Cavalry Builder Set, 79107 Comanche Camp, 79108 Stagecoach Escape, 79109 Colby City Showdown, 79110 Silver Mine Shootout, 79111 Constitution Train Chase.
Character Background
Tonto is the Native American companion to the Lone Ranger. This version is specifically based on Johnny Depp's portrayal in the 2013 Disney film, known for his eccentric appearance and 'spirit walker' persona.
Design Notes
The head-wrap and crow molded into the hair is one of LEGO's most unique headgear molds of that era. The use of 'Nougat' flesh tone was specific to licensing requirements for realistic skin tones.
Similar Minifigures
Lone Ranger (lr002), various Western Theme Indians (1990s), and Chief Kayak (Series 3 CMF).
Collectibility
High for collectors of Western or Disney-licensed themes. While the movie was not a box office hit, the minifigure design is objectively one of the most detailed of its time.
History
Launched in April 2013 to coincide with the film. It marked LEGO's return to the 'Western' aesthetic since the 2002 Legends series, though under a licensed banner.
Interesting Facts
The crow on Tonto's head is actually a separate plastic mold integrated into the hair, representing the character's belief that the bird is his spirit guide to the afterworld.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a desert or canyon vignette (MOC) alongside the Lone Ranger. Looks excellent under warm LED lighting to highlight the nougat skin tones.
Modification Potential
The head and hair are popular for custom fantasy warriors or post-apocalyptic scavengers in MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier licensed minifigure for the era. The printing density on the legs and the unique hairpiece make it a standout. Highly recommended for any Western or movie-buff collector.