Dragon Knight - Female, Pearl Dark Gray Breastplate, Gripped Grin
cas441 · Castle / Kingdoms
Kingdoms · 2010. Released as part of the 'Kingdoms' wave which returned to a more realistic medieval aesthetic compared to the preceding fantasy-heavy 'Castle 2007' line.
Figure ID
cas441
Theme
Castle / Kingdoms
Year Released
2010. Released as part of the 'Kingdoms' wave which returned to a more realistic medieval aesthetic compared to the preceding fantasy-heavy 'Castle 2007' line.
Rarity
Uncommon. While the components were mass-produced, this specific configuration (female head with this specific armor and dragon torso) was limited to a few specific sets and battle packs.
Head
Yellow head with Female Gripped Grin: black eyebrows, eyelashes, and a smirk. Reversible print: No. It is topped with a Pearl Dark Gray Great Helmet and a Blue Dragon Plume.
Torso
Red and Black Dragon heraldry split vertically. Blue arms and yellow hands. The torso is covered by a Pearl Dark Gray Breastplate with shoulder protection (pauldrons).
Legs
Plain Black legs. Standard 2x2 hip/leg assembly with no printing.
Accessories
Pearl Dark Gray Sword (Greatsword/Claymore style), Pearl Dark Gray Breastplate, and a Blue Dragon Helmet Plume. The plume is a heritage piece originally appearing in the 1990s Dragon Masters line.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Red, Black, and Blue, accented by Pearl Dark Gray armor. This 'Dragon Knight' faction scheme contrasts with the 'Lion Knight' Red and White/Tan scheme.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso displaying the Dragon crest. The head features crisp facial lines typical of the late 2000s era. No leg or arm printing is present on this specific variant.
Variants
There are many 'Dragon Knight' variants. Differences include male heads, different helms (conical vs. visor), and lack of armor plating. This female variant is less common than the generic male grunts.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'stress marks' on the plume attachment, loose friction in the visor, and silver coating rub-off on the sword. Check for cracks on the blue arms (torso sides).
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD. New: Hard to price individually as it was set-exclusive, but mint examples can reach $12.00+ USD to the right collector.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $10.00 (7955 Wizard) to $100.00+ (7946 King's Castle). The price-per-minifigure context was roughly $3.00-$4.00 at retail.
Compatible Sets
Set 7946 King's Castle, 7947 Prison Tower Rescue, 7953 Court Jester, and the 852922 Kingdoms Battle Pack.
Character Background
A high-ranking soldier of the Dragon Kingdom. Unlike the older Dragon Masters who were led by a wizard, these are a structured military force seeking to overthrow the Lion King in the 'Kingdoms' lore.
Design Notes
The inclusion of female soldiers in standard combat roles was a progressive step for the Kingdoms line. The breastplate mold is a classic design that debuted in the late 80s/early 90s, bridging the gap between vintage and modern LEGO.
Similar Minifigures
Dragon Knight (cas438), Lion Knight (cas444), Green Dragon Knight (cas402), and the Series 9 Heroic Knight (col136).
Collectibility
High. The 'Kingdoms' sub-theme is considered by many collectors to be the pinnacle of LEGO Castle design before the shift to licensed themes and the simplified 'Nexo Knights'.
History
Follows the 2007-2009 'Fantasy Era'. This figure marks the 2010 return to the red/black/blue palette for the antagonist faction, paying homage to the 1993 Dragon Masters.
Interesting Facts
The 'Dragon Plume' used on the helmet is the exact same mold used in the 1993 Castle sets, surviving nearly 20 years in LEGO's production inventory.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for castle ramparts or in a 'Battle Pack' formation. Displays best against a stone-grey backdrop or a green baseplate to simulate a battlefield.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs. The pearl dark gray armor is highly compatible with Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones custom builds.
Overall Assessment
A solid, aesthetically pleasing minifigure. While not the most expensive, its design represents a 'Golden Age' of non-licensed castle themes. Rating: 8/10 for design and versatility.