Black Knight (Castle Black Knights)
cas001 · Castle
Black Knights · 1988 (debuted in Black Knight's Castle)
Figure ID
cas001
Theme
Castle
Year Released
1988 (debuted in Black Knight's Castle)
Rarity
Uncommon to Common. While mass-produced in the late 80s and early 90s, they are increasingly difficult to find in pristine condition due to their age and heavy play usage.
Head
Standard classic yellow head with the iconic 'smiley' face (solid stud or recessed stud variant). No secondary printing.
Torso
Black torso with silver scale mail (chainmail) printing on the front. Features a red neck border. No back printing. Black arms with yellow hands.
Legs
Solid black legs with a black hip piece. No printing or specialized molding.
Accessories
The figure in the image is shown with a Black Neck Protector Helmet (Pointed/Chin Guard), part 3844. In sets, this figure usually included a triangular shield with the blue/yellow dragon emblem, a sword or halberd, and occasionally a red or blue plume.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are black and silver/grey, with red accents on the torso and traditional yellow skin. This scheme defines the gritty look of the Black Knights faction.
Printing Details
Pad-printed silver scale pattern on the chest with black outlines. The 'scale' texture was a significant step up from the simpler 'Lion Knights' surcoats of earlier years. Alignment is typically centered but can vary slightly in older production runs.
Variants
There are subtle variations in the head stud (blocked vs. hollow) and torso print thickness. The character essentially served as the template for many generic 'soldier' figures in the sub-theme.
Condition Notes
Look for silver paint wear on the torso (very common), 'bit marks' on the helmet, and torso cracks near the arm joints. The black plastic hides some wear but can show deep scratches and teeth marks if heavily played with.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $5 - $9; New (Individually bagged/New Old Stock): $20+; Parts: Torso $3, Helmet $1.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $3.00 (smaller impulse sets) to $68.00 (the large Black Knight's Castle).
Compatible Sets
6085 Black Knight's Castle (1988), 6059 Knight's Stronghold (1990), 6034 Black Knight's Ghost (1990), 10039 Black Knight's Castle (2002 Legend re-release).
Character Background
The Black Knights were the third major faction in the LEGO Castle universe, following the Lion Knights and Black Falcons. They were often portrayed as more formidable and technologically advanced, often utilizing the 'Dragon' iconography.
Design Notes
The scale mail print was a technical milestone for LEGO, moving away from simple cloth-vest graphics toward more detailed armor representations in the late 80s.
Similar Minifigures
cas007 (Black Knight with breastplate), cas011 (Dragon Master soldier), early Lion Knights with chainmail.
Collectibility
High for 'old-school' collectors. These figures are essential for building a 'Black Knights' army and hold strong nostalgic value for those who grew up in the 80s/90s.
History
Launched in 1988, this figure marked the transition into the 'Age of the Dragon' in Castle themes. It remained the staple soldier for the faction until the Fright Knights took over in 1997.
Interesting Facts
The helmet worn by this figure (part 3844) was originally introduced for the Black Falcons but became a signature look for the Black Knights infantry.
Display Suggestions
Display in a tiered 'army builder' case or part of a medieval rampart MOC. Looks best when grouped in units of 5-10 with matching dragon-print shields.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' MOCs. The torso is versatile enough to be used for guards, rogues, or mercenaries in modern fantasy settings.
Overall Assessment
An absolute classic of the Golden Era of LEGO Castle. While common, its iconic design and the nostalgic silver scale mail make it a mandatory inclusion for any serious minifigure collection.