Captain Redbeard (Classic Blue Coat with Peg Leg and Eye Patch)
pi056 · Pirates
Classic Pirates · 1989
Figure ID
pi056
Theme
Pirates
Year Released
1989
Rarity
Uncommon
Head
Classic yellow head with printed black beard, mustache, detailed grin with missing teeth, and an eye patch over the right eye. Wears a black tricorne hat with a white skull and crossbones print.
Torso
Blue torso with gold epaulettes printed on the shoulders, white lapels, gold buttons, a white shirt collar, and a brown baldric (strap). Back of the torso is unprinted, standard for 1989 figures. Yellow arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Black hips with solid black left leg and a specialized black peg leg as the right leg.
Accessories
Black tricorne hat with white skull and crossbones logo.
Color Scheme
Primary colors include classic LEGO yellow, blue, black, and white, with metallic-style gold ink printing for the epaulettes and buttons.
Printing Details
Classic 1989 simple pad printing style. Face features distinct lines for facial hair and an eye patch. Torso features front printing only with gold highlights.
Variants
Appeared in slightly different versions throughout the 1989-1997 Classic Pirates run, including variations with different face prints in later sub-themes like Pirates II (1996) and later re-releases.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include fading or scratching on the gold epaulettes and facial printing, cracking on the torso side walls, and loose clutch power in the peg leg or arm sockets.
Estimated Value
Used complete condition ranges from $5.00 to $15.00 USD depending on the tightness of parts and condition of the printing.
Price (New)
Originally available as part of major 1989 LEGO sets such as 6285 Black Seas Barracuda, which originally retailed for around $110.00 USD.
Compatible Sets
6285 Black Seas Barracuda (1989), 6270 Forbidden Island (1989), 6260 Shipwreck Island (1989), 6235 Buried Treasure (1989)
Character Background
Captain Redbeard is the iconic primary antagonist of the classic LEGO Pirates theme, leading his crew of pirates against the Imperial Soldiers (Bluecoats and Redcoats).
Design Notes
Features one of the earliest specialized mechanical body parts in LEGO history—the classic black peg leg—alongside the iconic tricorne hat mold.
Similar Minifigures
Imperial Soldier (pi058), Governor Broadside (pi059), First Mate (pi055)
Collectibility
High collectibility among nostalgic 80s and 90s LEGO fans and vintage theme completionists.
History
Debuted in the inaugural 1989 wave of the LEGO Pirates theme, which was one of LEGO's major foundational theme launches alongside Space and Castle.
Interesting Facts
Captain Redbeard was given different localized names in various countries, such as Captain Ironhook or Capitán Barbirroja.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark grey or blue baseplate alongside classic pirate ships like the Black Seas Barracuda or on a raised rocky island MOC.
Modification Potential
Easily paired with various classic cutlasses, flintlock pistols, and treasure chest accessories from the Pirates theme.
Overall Assessment
An absolute classic centerpiece minifigure of 1980s LEGO history, highly recommended for any vintage collector.