Kingdoms Lion Knight 1 (Chain Mail, Reddish Brown Head)
cas439 · Kingdoms
Lion Knights · 2010 (Debuted in set 7946 King's Castle)
Figure ID
cas439
Theme
Kingdoms
Year Released
2010 (Debuted in set 7946 King's Castle)
Rarity
Uncommon. While part of a main theme, this specific version with the reddish brown head was exclusive to the largest set of the wave, making it harder to find than generic yellow-headed knights.
Head
Reddish Brown, Head Male Raised Eyebrow, Stern, White Pupils and Gritted Teeth Pattern. Part 3626bpb0439. It is a single-sided print and is one of the early instances of diverse skin tones in a non-licensed Castle-style theme.
Torso
Flat Silver Torso Castle Kingdoms Lion Knight Chain Mail with Dark Tan Cloth and Gold Lion on Buckle Pattern. Dark Brown arms and Pearl Dark Gray hands. Back printing features continuation of the chain mail and belt.
Legs
Light Bluish Gray Legs with Black Knee Armor Pads and Dark Bluish Gray Hips. The printing is specific to the Kingdoms era armor sets.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally supplied with a Flat Silver Helmet (Neck Protector), a Shield with the Lion Knight crest, and a Silver Sword or Halberd depending on the specific set placement.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Flat Silver (armor), Light Bluish Gray (legs), and Reddish Brown (flesh tone). Accent colors include Dark Tan and Metallic Gold for the belt/lion buckle.
Printing Details
High quality pad printing. The chain mail links are exceptionally fine and crisp. Focus points include the gold lion emblem on the belt buckle and the detailed knee pads on the legs. Both torso and legs feature alignment that was superior to previous 'Fantasy Era' figures.
Variants
There are numerous 'Lion Knight' variants (cas438, cas440, etc.) that use the same torso but different leg printing or yellow head pieces. This specific reddish brown head variant distinguishes it from the standard army-builder knights.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'silvering' loss on the flat silver torso edges and torso cracks under the arms. The reddish brown head is sturdy, but the gritted teeth print can flake over time if handled frequently.
Estimated Value
Used (loose, no accessories): $4.00 - $6.00 USD. New/Mint (with accessories): $10.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is driven by collectors looking to diversify their medieval army with different skin tones.
Price (New)
Originally included in set 7946 King's Castle ($99.99 USD) and 7947 Prison Tower Rescue ($49.99 USD). Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
7946-1 King's Castle, 7947-1 Prison Tower Rescue, 7949-1 Prison Carriage Rescue.
Character Background
A generic but elite soldier of the Lion Kingdom. In the Kingdoms lore, the Lion Knights are the protagonists fighting against the Dragon Knights. Their designs were inspired by 14th-century European heraldry.
Design Notes
This figure represents a bridge between the 'Yellow-only' classic era and the modern era of diversity. It uses the 'Flat Silver' plastic color which provides a more realistic metallic look than 'Light Bluish Gray' plastic.
Similar Minifigures
Kingdoms Dragon Knight (cas441), Classic Lion Knight (cas001), and the newer Lion Knights' Castle (10305) figures.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is highly desirable for 'castle' MOC builders who want realistic and diverse armies. While not a high-ticket investment, it maintains its value well due to the theme's cult following.
History
Launched in 2010 to replace the 'Fantasy Era' (2007-2009). Kingdoms returned to a more grounded, realistic medieval aesthetic, and this figure is a prime example of that shift.
Interesting Facts
The reddish brown head used here was originally more common in the Star Wars theme for characters like Panaka or Mace Windu but was repurposed here to add realism to the Kingdoms line.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a gray castle battlement or in a rank-and-file formation with other Lion Knights. Using a standard 2x4 light gray brick as a base works well.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The torso and legs are quintessential 'Knight' parts. Often used for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings customs due to the realistic chain mail print.
Overall Assessment
A solid 7/10 figure. It is a fantastic example of LEGO’s 2010-era design peak. Its standout feature is the diversity it brings to a medieval collection, though it suffers from missing its iconic helmet in the provided image.