These three miniature tradesmen were purchased as a set. Thinking Russian Private Factory such as Gardner or Popov. Just please keep in mind that in the absence of evidence this is my opinion only. As always, looking for the missing parts of the puzzle.
It’s all in the eye of the beholder as the old saying goes. The person who sold them thought they were cute but not very well made. To my eyes, they were superbly made. The modelling followed true sculptural standards of proportion. The enamelling was of a very high standard. One and two hair brushes were used to detail the hands and face. High quality work. For me the trio was anything but how it was described. They just needed to find someone who appreciated them.
Blacksmith and Mason each 6.1 cm in height, Butcher 4.2 cm in height.
The miniature mason is seen carving an architectural ornament. Note the vest the mason is wearing and how it matches the butcher’s. The butcher is in the act of hog tying. The matching vest colours on the two different tradesmen make me wonder if this was the staff uniform of one of the imperial or aristocratic palaces. A possibility to explore. The blacksmith doesn’t have the household colours. We see him protected by the leather apron and chamois shirt of his trade. I love the way the implement he is hammering out has been painted to look like red hot metal. Sadly the Blacksmith has suffered a broken arm and smashed hammer and would benefit greatly from some sensitive restoration.
There is a similar miniature tradesman figure, in this case a cobbler, in the same 2009 Christies catalogue as the Porthos seen weeks back. It is identified as Gardner. The base is slightly different but the modelling, size and enamelling are all in keeping with the three seen here.
