Royal Guard
sw0040 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode 4/5/6 · 2001 (First Appearance)
Figure ID
sw0040
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2001 (First Appearance)
Rarity
Uncommon; while many versions exist, original 2001 variants are sought after due to the red-headpiece design.
Head
Plain red head (no printing) or a plain black head depending on the specific early 2000s set variant; the iconic feature is the red molded cowl.
Torso
Red torso with black hands; features simple black line-printing to represent the robes of the Emperor's guard.
Legs
Plain red legs without current dual-molding or side printing.
Accessories
Black spear/force pike (technically a 4L bar or light gray spear in older sets) and a red cloth cape.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic red with black accents and a black void for the visor area.
Printing Details
Minimal. Modern versions have far more detail, but the classic sw0040 is valued for its simplistic pad printing.
Variants
sw0040 (2001-2005), sw0521 (2014, with printed head and darker red), sw1274 (2023, high detail).
Condition Notes
The red cowl is prone to nicks; the red cloth cape often suffers from fraying or creasing at the neck loop.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD used (full figure); $1.00 - $3.00 for the headpiece alone.
Price (New)
Commonly found in sets ranging from $19.99 (Death Star Final Duel) to $299.00 (Death Star).
Compatible Sets
7166 Imperial Shuttle (2001), 7200 Final Duel I (2002), 10143 Death Star II (2005).
Character Background
The Emperor's Royal Guard, silent sentinels chosen from the ranks of the Stormtroopers for their loyalty and combat skill.
Design Notes
The iconic red cowl mold was a unique design for the early Star Wars line to simulate the curved helmet-mask silhouette.
Similar Minifigures
Senate Commando (sw0614), Shadow Guard (sw0604), Imperial Guard (Classic Castle).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who wish to flank a Palpatine minifigure; stable value due to character popularity.
History
First introduced in the early wave of LEGO Star Wars when molds were simpler and yellow flesh tones were still being used for other characters.
Interesting Facts
The earliest version used a plain red head, meant to represent the dark visor, which was a very abstract design choice for the time.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in pairs flanking Emperor Palpatine (sw0063) on a Death Star-themed baseplate.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom Mandalorian or Ancient-era MOCs due to the unique shape of the red helmet mold.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Star Wars minifigure that balances simplicity with iconic visual strikingness. A must-have for original trilogy fans.