LEGO® 40504 A Minifigure Tribute: Celebrating 45 Years of Iconic Minifigures with Captain Redbeard

A Nostalgic Tribute to the Classic Minifigure

The LEGO® 40504 A Minifigure Tribute set immediately evokes memories of the 76393 Harry Potter & Hermione Granger set, which introduced the 6-scale minifigure concept. While many expected a Star Wars-themed follow-up, LEGO® surprised fans with an exclusive Captain Redbeard model, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the minifigure. This choice feels intentional—Captain Redbeard was the first LEGO® minifigure with a unique head design, making him a fitting subject for this tribute.

Design and Build Experience

The set was initially sketched by LEGO House designer Stuart Harris and finalized by renowned designer Markus Rollbühler. The build starts with a display base, featuring tiles labeled "LEGO House" and "The Minifigure Tribute". The torso construction introduces clever techniques, especially in the tie and buckle, which add realism to the model.

The legs and arms use a mix of Technic elements, ensuring both posability and stability. The head and hat are standout features. LEGO® avoided using a face sticker, opting for a high-quality print instead—a decision that enhances the set’s authenticity. The hat does include a sticker for the skull detail, but it’s a minor compromise. The second sticker, a treasure map of Denmark, adds a playful touch, with the "X" humorously marking Billund, the home of LEGO®.

Final Presentation and Collectibility

Once assembled, the Captain Redbeard minifigure stands 30 cm tall (32 cm with the base). The attention to detail is impressive, from the printed face to the movable limbs, making it a stunning display piece. Like traditional minifigures, this model can be disassembled into its core components: legs, torso, shoulder pad, hat, and head.

Availability and Pricing

The set is exclusive to LEGO House in Billund, priced at DKK 599 (approximately €80 / £70 / $85 / AUD 130 / GBP 70 / SEK 900 / PLN 350 / BRL 420). While it’s limited to one unit per person, resellers on platforms like Bricklink and eBay offer it at a premium.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Iconic Design: A faithful and detailed 6-scale replica of the classic Captain Redbeard minifigure, perfect for collectors.
• High-Quality Print: The printed face (instead of a sticker) adds authenticity and durability.
• Display-Worthy: The 30 cm tall figure and display base make it a striking centerpiece for any LEGO® collection.

Cons

• Exclusive Availability: Only sold at LEGO House, limiting access for fans outside Denmark.
• Resale Markup: Prices on secondary markets are significantly higher than the retail price.
• Sticker Use: While minimal, the skull sticker on the hat may deter purists who prefer printed pieces.