Classic Shark (Dark Gray)
shark-1 (Part 2547c01) · Pirates / Town / Divers
Classic Pirates / Town City · 1997 (first introduced in Dark Gray)
Figure ID
shark-1 (Part 2547c01)
Theme
Pirates / Town / Divers
Year Released
1997 (first introduced in Dark Gray)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While mass-produced in the late 90s, high-quality specimens with functional jaws and no teeth marks are increasingly difficult to find.
Head
The 'head' consists of an upper jaw mold with a dorsal fin and small recessed eye holes. It is connected to the body via a friction hinge, allowing the mouth to open and close.
Torso
The upper body piece includes the pectoral fins and the hinge mechanism for the jaw. It is a solid dark gray plastic mold with no surface printing.
Legs
Not applicable. The lower body consists of a tapering tail section with a vertical caudal fin, designed to mimic a shark's anatomy.
Accessories
None. The shark is considered a creature/animal figure rather than a humanoid minifigure, though it is scaled to fit a minifigure inside its mouth.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Dark Gray. This is the non-sandblasted, solid dark gray variant commonly found in late 90s sets.
Printing Details
No printing. The eyes and gills are represented by physical indentations in the plastic mold rather than ink.
Variants
Variants include Light Gray (1989), Dark Gray with Gill printing, and the later 'Sawfish' variant with a different head mold. A later white version also exists.
Condition Notes
Prone to loose jaw hinges ('floppy mouth') and bite marks from children. Check for stress marks on the side fins and the thin plastic of the tail fin.
Estimated Value
Used: $1.50 - $4.00 USD. New: Higher values (up to $10) are seen when part of a sealed vintage set.
Price (New)
N/A; originally sold in sets ranging from $5.00 polybags to $100.00 Pirate ships.
Compatible Sets
6240 Kraken Attackin, 6250 Armada Flagship, 6281 Pirates Perilous Pitfall, and various Divers sub-theme sets.
Character Background
A generic apex predator of the LEGO seas. It served as a primary hazard for LEGO Pirates, Divers, and Island residents alike.
Design Notes
One of LEGO's most iconic animal molds. The design was revolutionary for allowing a minifigure's head and torso to be 'swallowed' by the figure.
Similar Minifigures
LEGO Sawfish (part 2548), Hammerhead Shark (shk01), and the modern oversized Great White Shark mold (part 14518c01p1).
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a nostalgic staple for classic collectors. While not high in value, it is essential for completing vintage nautical dioramas.
History
Debuted in Light Gray in the 1989 Pirates line. The Dark Gray version appeared as LEGO transition to deeper color palettes in the late 90s.
Interesting Facts
The gap in the jaw is specifically sized to 'bite' onto a LEGO 1x2 brick or a minifigure's waist.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in underwater dioramas using trans-blue bricks or attached to a ship's hull to simulate an attack scene.
Modification Potential
Highly popular for custom painting (adding teeth detail or blood effects). Often used in MOCs as a base for robotic 'cyber-sharks'.
Overall Assessment
A legendary LEGO animal casting. While simple by modern standards, its playability and iconic silhouette make it a hall-of-fame LEGO element.