The first 5 figures (Villagers 1-5) by Mark Bedford were released in Aug 2003 (Town Cryer 27) as a blister, another 7 were added in April 2006 to make the boxed set of 12.
Why is there a Villager 13 and no Villager 12?
Sculptor:
Mark Bedford / Daniel Pacey
Painter:
DPS
Released:
Aug 2003, Apr 2006