R4-P17 (Episode 3 Version)
sw0122 · Star Wars
Star Wars: Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith · 2005. This figure debuted in the original Jedi Starfighter set 7256 during the initial wave of Revenge of the Sith products. This era marked a transition to more detailed torso printing for droids.
Figure ID
sw0122
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2005. This figure debuted in the original Jedi Starfighter set 7256 during the initial wave of Revenge of the Sith products. This era marked a transition to more detailed torso printing for droids.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not ultra-rare, this specific version of R4-P17 was only produced for a short window (2005-2006) before being replaced by newer molds and different head styles in later waves.
Head
Black R4-Series conical 'Trash Can' dome piece with silver and copper printing. The top features the standard sensor eye and logic processor port details unique to the R4 droid unit design.
Torso
Black cylindrical R2-unit body with front printing. The print features silver panels, copper horizontal cooling vents, and various instrumentation lights in blue and white. There is no back printing on this specific vintage era figure.
Legs
Two standard black droid legs with no additional printing. They connect to the torso via the standard techninc-style pin friction joint.
Accessories
None. As a standard astromech droid, it was intended to be plugged into the wing of the 7256 Jedi Starfighter.
Color Scheme
Primary Black with Metallic Silver and Copper/Bronze accents. This reflects Obi-Wan Kenobi's droid as seen during the Battle of Coruscant.
Printing Details
Pad printed on the dome and front torso. The alignment on 2005 era droids can sometimes be slightly off-center. Specifically, the copper 'vents' are high-contrast against the black plastic.
Variants
The 2005 version (sw0122) features a conical R4 head. Later versions of R4-P17 (sw0454) utilize a standard rounded R2-style dome and a Dark Red body, making this black conical version technically inaccurate to the lore but highly nostalgic for collectors.
Condition Notes
Look for silver paint rub on the top of the dome sensor. The leg pins are prone to loosening over time. Black plastic hides scratches well but shows dust and oily fingerprints more clearly than lighter colors.
Estimated Value
Used: $6.00 - $11.00 USD. New/Mint: $15.00+ USD. Prices vary based on the clarity of the silver printing.
Price (New)
Included in set 7256 (Jedi Starfighter and Vulture Droid) which retailed for $19.99 USD in 2005.
Compatible Sets
7256 Jedi Starfighter and Vulture Droid (2005), 65771 Star Wars Episode III Value Pack (2005).
Character Background
R4-P17 was the astromech droid belonging to Obi-Wan Kenobi. This specific appearance represents the droid before its destruction at the hands of Buzz Droids during the opening sequence of Episode III.
Design Notes
This figure uses the 'conical' head mold meant to represent an R4 unit, whereas the film actually depicted R4-P17 with a rounded R2-style dome. LEGO corrected this in later years, making this black conical version a unique design anomaly.
Similar Minifigures
sw0123 R2-D2 (silver dome), sw0130 Clone Pilot with sand green markings, and sw0119 Blue R2-D2 with the original grey head.
Collectibility
Medium. It is a staple for 'First Generation' Episode 3 collectors. Its unique (though inaccurate) color and head combination makes it a 'must-have' for completionist Obi-Wan Kenobi or Astromech collectors.
History
Released at the height of 'Star Wars Mania' in 2005 for the final prequel film. This droid was among the last to utilize the non-back-printed droid bodies before LEGO transitioned to more detailed all-around prints years later.
Interesting Facts
Despite his 'R4' name, R4-P17 was actually modified in the Star Wars films to have an R2-series dome. LEGO chose the name-correct R4 conical mold for this toy, creating a visual discrepancy with the movie version.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in the socket of the 7256 Starfighter or on an 'Episode III' character stand alongside the yellow-winged Obi-Wan Kenobi minifigure.
Modification Potential
Great for creating MOC 'Technical Droids' or custom astromechs for Imperial-era dioramas due to the sleek black and silver aesthetic.
Overall Assessment
A classic piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While not the most valuable droid, its aesthetic is striking and it represents a specific era of LEGO design where character accuracy was sometimes sacrificed for piece-variety usage. Rating: 7/10.