Clone Trooper (Phase 1) - Black Waist Cape, Pauldron, Scowling Face
sw0442 · Star Wars
The Clone Wars · Released in 2013 as part of the move toward more realistic minifigure designs compared to the stylized 'Clone Wars' animation style seen in previous years.
Figure ID
sw0442
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2013 as part of the move toward more realistic minifigure designs compared to the stylized 'Clone Wars' animation style seen in previous years.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not an exclusive convention figure, this specific variant with the black pauldron and cloth waist cape (kama) was only available in one specific set, making it more desirable than basic grunts.
Head
Light flesh head with a 'scowling' expression, featuring black eyebrows and detailed facial lines. This replaced the older 'Clone Wars' stylized wide-eyed heads.
Torso
White torso with Phase 1 armor printing. Features black arms and white hands. Printing includes standard chest plating and utility belt details, covered partially by a black plastic pauldron neck piece.
Legs
White legs with black hips. Features a black fabric waist cape (kama) sandwiched between the torso and leg assembly, adding a premium 'commander' feel to the figure.
Accessories
Includes a black plastic neck pauldron and a black fabric waist cape (kama). Typically issued with a DC-15S blaster carbine or DC-17 hand blasters (not pictured in all views).
Color Scheme
Monochromatic white and black, following the standard Phase 1 Republic officer/specialist aesthetic.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and head. This era marked a transition toward highly accurate mechanical detailing on the chest plates and helmet vents.
Variants
Numerous Phase 1 variants exist, including the sw0442 (this version) and the sw0438 (basic trooper without the cloth/pauldron accessories).
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fraying on the edges of the fabric waist cape and 'torso cracks' on the sides under the arms. Check for yellowing of the white plastic if stored in sunlight.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $15 - $25 USD; New/Mint: $30+ USD. Prices fluctuate based on the crispness of the fabric elements.
Price (New)
Included in set 75000 (Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas) which retailed for $12.99 USD in 2013.
Compatible Sets
75000 Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas (2013).
Character Background
This figure represents a Clone Trooper officer or specialist from the Grand Army of the Republic during the early stages of the Clone Wars, identifiable by the Phase 1 helmet fin.
Design Notes
A bridge design that took the 'realistic' movie-style aesthetics and applied them to figures released during the final run of the Clone Wars TV show sets.
Similar Minifigures
sw0438 (Clone Trooper Phase 1), sw0126 (Clone Trooper Episode 2), and various Phase 1 Commanders like Rex or Cody.
Collectibility
Moderate to High. Clone Trooper variants are the backbone of 'army building' and hold their value exceptionally well due to high demand from MOC builders.
History
First introduced in 2013, this version updated the 2002-era Phase 1 clones with modern articulation compatibility and significantly improved printing resolution.
Interesting Facts
The black kama (waist cape) used here is a relatively thin fabric compared to modern 'stiff' capes, making it prone to curling if not handled carefully.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed leading a squad of standard sw0438 clones. Use a 'brick-built' Republic baseplate or a Geonosis-themed sandy diorama.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs; the cloth pieces can be swapped onto newer Phase 2 torsos to create various custom ARC troopers.
Overall Assessment
A solid 8/10 for any Star Wars collector. The inclusion of the fabric kama and plastic pauldron elevates it from a standard 'grunt' to a display-worthy specialist.