General Grievous (Original Tan Version with Molded Head)
sw0134 · Star Wars
Episode III - Revenge of the Sith · 2005 - This figure debuted in the lego set 7255 General Grievous Chase during the transition to flesh-toned figures for licensed themes.
Figure ID
sw0134
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2005 - This figure debuted in the lego set 7255 General Grievous Chase during the transition to flesh-toned figures for licensed themes.
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced in 2005, this specific head piece is discontinued and much harder to find in pristine condition compared to modern versions.
Head
The image shows the specific molded head part (part 53457pb01) featuring a Light Nougat/Tan base with brown tufts of hair/skin on the sides, black eyes with white pupils, and a small tan scar detail under the right eye. This is a unique head piece that sits atop a specialized torso piece rather than a standard minifigure neck.
Torso
The full minifigure features a specialized tan mechanical torso with four arm attachment points, though the image only shows the head. The torso has basic mechanical printing to represent armor plating.
Legs
The figure utilizes specialized droid-like legs in Tan (part 53456) which are taller and more angled than standard minifigure legs.
Accessories
Typically includes four lightsabers (two blue, two green) with chrome hilts (early versions) or light bluish gray hilts, and a tan cape with red lining in select later versions.
Color Scheme
Primary: Tan (some call it Light Nougat); Accents: Brown hair/flesh printing, clear/translucent lightsaber blades.
Printing Details
Pad printed face details. The alignment on these early molded heads was often slightly off-center; the image shows a relatively crisp and well-centered print for the 2005 era.
Variants
sw0134 (Tan), sw0254 (Dark Tan/Clone Wars with large eyes), sw0515 (White color scheme from 2014 sets). This image is the sw0134 original version.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes paint rubbing on the brown side hair and eye printing. The plastic is prone to stress marks where the arms clip on. The neck hole can suffer from 'clutch power' loss over time.
Estimated Value
Head only: $5-$10; Complete used figure: $25-$40; New/Sealed in box (Set 7255): $150-$200. Value fluctuates based on printing clarity.
Price (New)
Set 7255 originally retailed for $19.99 in 2005, containing two minifigures, making the per-figure value approximately $10 at retail.
Compatible Sets
7255 General Grievous Chase (2005).
Character Background
General Grievous, the Supreme Commander of the Separatist Droid Army, known for his cyborg body and collection of lightsabers taken from fallen Jedi during the Clone Wars.
Design Notes
This version was LEGO's first attempt at Grievous. It used unique molds for the head, torso, and legs to capture his inhuman proportions, diverging significantly from the standard minifigure 'blocky' aesthetic.
Similar Minifigures
Magnaguard (sw0190), General Grievous - Clone Wars (sw0254), General Grievous - White (sw0515).
Collectibility
High demand for 'Old School' Star Wars collectors. It marks a unique era of LEGO design before they moved toward more screen-accurate (but less 'LEGO-like') mechanical molds.
History
Launched in the Revenge of the Sith wave. This head print was revolutionary at the time for its attempt to mimic the organic/alien features of the character's face inside the mask.
Interesting Facts
The brown printing on the sides of the head is intended to represent the raw skin of the Kaleesh warrior still visible on his cybernetic head. This is one of the few figures where the head is not a 'block' but a unique sculpt.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi from set 7255. Use a specialized stand that supports his unique leg footprint to prevent him from toppling over.
Modification Potential
The head fits on a standard stud, meaning it can be placed on a standard minifigure body for 'purist' custom Kaleesh warriors.
Overall Assessment
A foundational Star Wars minifigure. While modern versions are more accurate to the film's 1:1 look, this 2005 version has a nostalgic 'classic' LEGO charm that makes it a centerpiece for early 2000s collections.