R4-P17
sw0164 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith · 2007 (First release)
Figure ID
sw0164
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2007 (First release)
Rarity
Uncommon. While the character is iconic, this specific older design was only featured in a limited number of sets during the mid-2000s before being updated with better printing.
Head
Half-cylinder astromech dome in Flat Silver. It features 360-degree printing with dark red / dark maroon accents (though some variants appear dark blue/black depending on the set) and circular sensor apertures.
Torso
Standard Astromech Droid body in White. Front printing includes a large rectangular panel with grey/metallic wiring details and two vertical blue stripes typical of 'standard' R2-series droid chassis.
Legs
Two separate Dark Stone Grey (Dark Grey) astromech legs. These are unprinted and attach to the sides of the white cylindrical body via a technician's pin connector.
Accessories
None included by default. Astromech droids generally do not carry external accessories, though they act as 'set pieces' for starfighters.
Color Scheme
A mix of White, Flat Silver, and Dark Grey, with primary accent printing in Dark Red and Blue. The dark grey legs are characteristic of this specific early version.
Printing Details
Pad-printed dome and torso front. The print aligns with mid-2000s standards, often lacking back torso printing which was a limitation of that era's manufacturing.
Variants
There are several versions of R4-P17. sw0164 (this one) has dark grey legs. Newer versions like sw0593 feature white legs and significantly higher-detail dome printing with more accurate red markers.
Condition Notes
Watch for 'yellowing' on the white torso piece due to UV exposure. The silver dome is prone to scratches and paint rubbing. Check for cracks in the leg pin sockets.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00; New: $10.00 - $15.00 depending on the specific set it originated from.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $20.00 to $50.00. Not sold as a standalone figure.
Compatible Sets
7661 Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive Booster Ring (2007), 7256 Jedi Starfighter and V-Wing (2005 - variant), 7283 Ultimate Space Battle (2005).
Character Background
R4-P17 was the loyal astromech droid assigned to Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars. She was tragically destroyed by buzz droids during the Battle of Coruscant in Revenge of the Sith.
Design Notes
This figure uses the classic three-piece assembly (Dome, Body, 2 Legs). The lack of a third 'center leg' is a known design compromise that persisted for decades in LEGO Star Wars.
Similar Minifigures
R2-D2 (sw0021), R4-G0 (sw0477), and the updated R4-P17 (sw0593) with white legs.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a necessary figure for those completing an Episode III collection, but newer, more accurate versions have slightly suppressed the value of the 2007 edition.
History
R4-P17 went through a transition from a 'solid head' with no printing in very early prototypes to this pad-printed version, marking LEGO's push for more cinematic accuracy in the mid-2000s.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an 'R4' unit, her dome shape is technically an R2-series dome. In Star Wars lore, this was explained as her having a modified R2 head on an R4 body.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside the droid socket of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Delta-7B or Eta-2 starfighters. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the white body from turning tan.
Modification Potential
Commonly modified by fans who add a small white 'lipstick' piece or 1x1 round plate to the bottom to simulate the third retractable leg.
Overall Assessment
A solid, nostalgic piece for Star Wars collectors. It shows the evolution of LEGO's droid printing technology. Strong recommendation for completionists of the 2005-2008 era.