“Loyal Volunteers” in the late 18th century refer to British civilian military units formed to provide home defense, particularly during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802). These units were raised to counter the threat of French invasion, with the Volunteer Act of 1794 and Provisional Cavalry Act of 1796 authorising their formation. The volunteers were a socially mixed group motivated by patriotism, social pressure, and sometimes to avoid compulsory militia service, acting as a bulwark of loyalism against radicalism.
Provenance: Ex Jonathan Horne Antiques London
Height: 4 ⅝”
In good condition