Chewbacca (Reddish Brown)
sw0011a · Star Wars
Classic Trilogy · 2004 (Reddish Brown variant)
Figure ID
sw0011a
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2004 (Reddish Brown variant)
Rarity
Common. This specific variant was mass-produced across several sets between 2004 and 2011.
Head
The head and torso cover are a single specialized 'over-the-torso' mold. It features Chewbacca's fur texture, eyes, and mouth details in molded Reddish Brown plastic.
Torso
The base torso is plain Reddish Brown with no direct printing; all visual detail (the bandolier) is part of the head/cowl piece that sits over the torso.
Legs
Plain Reddish Brown unprinted standard legs.
Accessories
Standard LEGO Crossbow (Element ID 104 in Dark Stone Grey).
Color Scheme
Reddish Brown with Metallic Silver and Black accents on the bandolier print.
Printing Details
Printing is limited to the bandolier on the cowl piece. It features metallic silver rectangles to represent ammunition pouches/links. The face lacks distinct paint (eyes are molded).
Variants
This is sw0011a (Reddish Brown). It differs from sw0011 (Brown, 2000-2004) by the plastic shade, and sw0532 (2014) which introduced more detailed fur printing and separate head/torso prints.
Condition Notes
Watch for loose grip on the crossbow due to age and potential hair-line cracks at the heel or on the torso sides (standard for figures of this era). The silver printing on the bandolier is prone to rubbing off.
Estimated Value
Used: $3 - $6 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $8 - $12 USD.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $10.00 (7251) to $100.00+ (10144). Best value was in Pulse Cannon or Slave I sets.
Compatible Sets
7251 Darth Vader Transformation (2005), 10144 Sandcrawler (2005), 6212 X-wing Fighter (2006/2011), 7660 Naboo N-1 Starfighter (2007).
Character Background
Chewbacca is the loyal Wookiee co-pilot of Han Solo. This figure represents his appearance in the original Star Wars trilogy.
Design Notes
A classic 'monolithic' design choice by LEGO where the head and hair are one large piece. This design was the standard for 14 years before a more detailed print-heavy version was introduced in 2014.
Similar Minifigures
sw0011 (Original Brown Chewbacca), sw0532 (Modern Printed Chewbacca), sw0012 (Wookiee Warrior).
Collectibility
Medium-low. While an iconic character, this specific version was very common. It is a staple for nostalgic collectors but has low investment growth potential.
History
Based on the original 2000 mold, this figure underwent a color swap in 2004 when LEGO transitioned from its 'Earth Brown' to the more vibrant 'Reddish Brown' color palette.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an alien, this figure uses a standard human torso underneath the fur piece, making it one of the easiest figures to 'strip' for spare brown parts.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed next to a 1999-2010 era Millennium Falcon or alongside the classic yellow-skin Han Solo (sw0014).
Modification Potential
The head/cowl piece is a favorite for MOC builders to create custom Wookiee tribes or forest dwelling creatures.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While it lacks the high-definition printing of modern figures, it captures the 'Classic' aesthetic and is essential for any completionist.