Lion Knight - Blue Arms, Black Neck Protector
cas167 · Castle
Lion Knights · 1984 - 1992
Figure ID
cas167
Theme
Castle
Year Released
1984 - 1992
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely produced in the 80s, finding this specific variant with the black neck protector helmet in excellent condition is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors.
Head
Classic LEGO smiley face with two black dots for eyes and a curved line for the mouth. No dual printing. Yellow skin tone.
Torso
Red torso with the classic Lion Knight crest (blue shield with a yellow lion rampant). Includes blue arms and yellow hands. No back printing, as was standard for the era.
Legs
Plain red legs with a red hip piece. No printing on front, sides, or back.
Accessories
Includes the iconic black Minifigure Headgear Helmet Neck Protector (part 3844). This specific unit is missing a handheld weapon or shield, which typically would be a grey spear, sword, or a triangular Lion Knight shield.
Color Scheme
A primary color palette of Red, Blue, and Yellow, topped with a Black helmet. This color blocking was synonymous with the early Lion Knight wave.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the torso front and the head. The detail level is low compared to modern standards but has high historical charm. Alignment on these vintage figures is generally centered well but prone to fading.
Variants
Variants exist with grey helmets, red arms instead of blue, and different leg colors (grey or white). This blue-armed version is the classic 1980s soldier profile.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'chin' nicks on the helmet, loose arm hinges, and fading of the gold/yellow lion crest on the torso due to play wear.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $5.00 - $12.00 USD. New (Mint): $20.00+ USD. The value depends heavily on the crispness of the torso logo.
Price (New)
N/A - Originally available in various sets ranging from $2.00 (impulse sets) to $50.00 (large castles) in the 1980s.
Compatible Sets
6080 King's Castle, 6010 Supply Wagon, 6022 Horse Cart, 6103 Castle Mini-Figures.
Character Background
A standard foot soldier for the Lion Knights (sometimes called 'Crusaders' in the US). They served as the primary rivals to the Black Falcons in early LEGO Castle lore.
Design Notes
The shield-on-torso print was a revolutionary step away from the basic town figures of the era, helping define 'Castle' as a genre-based theme.
Similar Minifigures
Black Knights Soldiers, Black Falcon Knights, and the modern 10305 Lion Knights' Castle anniversary figures.
Collectibility
High. This is a corner-stone figure for vintage LEGO collectors and 'Army Builders' who look to recreate large medieval battles.
History
Launched in 1984, the Lion Knights replaced the 'Yellow Castle' knights, introducing more realistic colors and distinct heraldry to the LEGO line.
Interesting Facts
The 'Neck Protector' helmet style seen here was based on the medieval Sallet helmet and became one of the most reused molds in LEGO history.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a formation on a gray baseplate or flanking a castle gatehouse like set 6080.
Modification Potential
Extremely high for MOCs. Parts are interchangeable with any classic-style knight. Often used by customizers to create 'old-school' style fantasy adventurers.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential piece of LEGO history. While simple, it represents the golden age of 80s Castle and remains a top-tier nostalgia piece for any serious collector.