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244 LEGO Samsonite Explorer Set thumbnail image

244 LEGO Samsonite Explorer Set
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244 LEGO Samsonite Explorer Set
  • Explorer Set thumbnail
  • Explorer Set thumbnail

LEGO 244 Explorer Set is a vintage Samsonite set from 1968 valued at $476 for new and sealed sets, up 9480% from an original retail price of $4.97. Annual appreciation has averaged 8.19% since release. On the used market, values range from $342 to $440 based on condition.

Set Value (New/Sealed)

This represents the current new/sealed value of the set Explorer Set since January 1968. Medium accuracy
LEGO 244-1 Explorer Set is a Samsonite Basic Set released in 1968, containing 244 pieces. It was distributed exclusively in the United States through FAO Schwarz and, beginning in 1971, Sears. The set belongs to the Samsonite era, when LEGO products in North America were manufactured and marketed by Samsonite under license. It comprises an assortment of basic bricks and elements for open-ended building. Based on current trends, this set could be valued near $512 within the next year.
Explorer Set (244-1) is a very old and rare LEGO set. It has not been available online or in retail stores in good/new condition for over 2 years. Because of its scarcity, the current estimated value of in new condition of $476.11 may be much lower than its true market value. Released in 1968, sealed sets in good condition are especially difficult to find, often commanding a premium well above estimates.
There are currently no new/sealed listings available for Explorer Set at this time.
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Sets in Samsonite / Basic Set

502 Deluxe Set with Storage Case

Theme / Subtheme Samsonite / Basic Set
Year 1968
Pieces 451
Availability Retired
502 LEGO Samsonite Deluxe Set with Storage Case
Retail $14.99
Value $557.67
Growth  +3620.3%
Annual growth 6.4%

66 Governor Set

Theme / Subtheme Samsonite / Basic Set
Year 1968
Pieces 387
Availability Retired
66 LEGO Samsonite Governor Set
Retail $12.95
Value $467.93
Growth  +3513.4%
Annual growth 6.4%

326-2 Suburban Set

Theme / Subtheme Samsonite / Basic Set
Year 1968
Pieces 326
Availability Retired
326-2 LEGO Samsonite Suburban Set
Retail $11.50
Value $460.54
Growth  +3904.7%
Annual growth 6.6%

301 Piece Set with Suitcase

Theme / Subtheme Samsonite / Basic Set
Year 1968
Pieces 301
Availability Retired
LEGO Samsonite 301 Piece Set with Suitcase
Retail $12.88
Value $549.86
Growth  +4169.1%
Annual growth 6.7%

223 Adventure Set

Theme / Subtheme Samsonite / Basic Set
Year 1968
Pieces 223
Availability Retired
223 LEGO Samsonite Adventure Set
Retail $4.99
Value $305.61
Growth  +6024.4%
Annual growth 7.4%

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Explorer Set Reviews

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About Samsonite Basic Set

Samsonite was an American manufacturer of LEGO sets which introduced the very first USA LEGO catalog for Christmas of 1961. LEGO and Samsonite created a partnership to produce and sell LEGO in the US. The result was a 9-year license for exclusive North American distribution rights. Samsonite began marketing sets under the name LEGO by Samsonite in the US in 1961 and Canada in 1962.

Basic Set consists of 82 sets that ran from 1961 to 1975. As of today, 080-2 Ambassador Set is the most valuable Basic Set set with an estimated new/factory sealed value of $3,491.
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