Imperial Officer (Captain / Commandant / Commander) - Cavalry Kepi, Black Uniform
sw0581 · Star Wars
Star Wars Rebels · 2014 - Debuted in the set 75048 The Phantom. This era marked LEGO's expansion into Disney-era animated content.
Figure ID
sw0581
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2014 - Debuted in the set 75048 The Phantom. This era marked LEGO's expansion into Disney-era animated content.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited exclusive, it appeared in only two sets during the initial Rebels wave and has since been retired.
Head
Light Nougat head with a stern expression, featuring high cheekbone lines and a downturned mouth. It is a single-sided print and was a common face for generic Imperial characters in the mid-2010s.
Torso
Black torso featuring Imperial officer uniform details. Includes red and silver rank cylinders/plaques, a grey belt with a silver buckle, and subtle line printing representing the tunic fold.
Legs
Plain black legs with a black hip piece. No printing is present on the legs, which is standard for most Imperial officer figures of this era.
Accessories
Black Cavalry Kepi (cap) with a small silver Imperial insignia (dot) printed on the front. This specific cap style is essential to the Rebels-era officer aesthetic.
Color Scheme
A strictly monochromatic Imperial palette of Black and Light Nougat, accented with Light Bluish Grey and Red printing for rank and belt details.
Printing Details
Pad-printed on the torso and head. The torso print is crisp, featuring the specific 'Rebels' art style which is slightly more stylized/angular than the Ultimate Collector Series or Movie-accurate figures.
Variants
There are numerous Imperial Officers. Variants include 'Imperial Officer - Grey Uniform' (sw0582) and the more detailed 'Imperial Officer - Battle Pack version' with leg printing in later years.
Condition Notes
The black plastic shows scratches and 'play wear' easily. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso and 'heel cracks' on the legs. The silver print on the hat is prone to rubbing off over time.
Estimated Value
$6.00 - $10.00 USD for Used; $12.00 - $15.00 USD for New condition. Individual parts like the hat are worth approximately $2.00-$3.00.
Price (New)
Came in set 75048 ($24.99 retail) and 75078 ($12.99 retail). In the Battle Pack (75078), it provided a high value-per-figure ratio.
Compatible Sets
75048 The Phantom (2014), 75078 Imperial Troop Transport (2015).
Character Background
Generic Imperial officer based on the aesthetic of 'Star Wars Rebels.' These officers often commanded Stormtrooper squads or piloted small auxiliary craft like the Phantom during its Imperial transition.
Design Notes
The use of the Cavalry Kepi hat mold (originally from Western themes) instead of the standard Imperial officer cap gives this figure its distinct Rebels-era look.
Similar Minifigures
sw0623 Imperial Officer (Embroidered Rank), sw0154 Imperial Officer (Classic), sw1141 Imperial Officer (Black Suit with Leg Printing).
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a staple for 'Army Builders' who want to populate Star Destroyer MOCs or dioramas. Demand remains steady due to the popularity of the Rebels series.
History
First introduced to coincide with the launch of the Rebels TV show. It represents a transition in LEGO design where animation-specific styles were blended with traditional minifigure proportions.
Interesting Facts
The hat was originally designed for the 1996 LEGO Western theme (Union Soldiers) and found a second life as the perfect mold for the Imperial officer cap seen in Ralph McQuarrie's original concept art.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside an Imperial Troop Transport or lining a walkway alongside Stormtroopers. Use cool white LED lighting to highlight the black uniform details.
Modification Potential
Excellent base for generic Galactic Empire MOCs. The head is easily swapped for more expressive characters, and the black torso is a versatile part for any dark-themed sci-fi custom.
Overall Assessment
A solid, essential 'workhorse' minifigure for Star Wars collectors. It isn't a high-value centerpiece, but its accuracy to the Rebels source material makes it a 7/10 for any Imperial enthusiast.