Bridge Ward Volunteer of London, Rowlandson military print

by Rowlandson, Thomas

Loyal Volunteer of London, Mourn Arms (1st Motion).
"At the word Arms the right hand quits the firelock behind, & takes hold of the small of the Butt."

Military print from an aquatint drawn and etched by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827), for LOYAL VOLUNTEERS, or London & Environs, Infantry & Cavalry, in their respective Uniforms. Representing the whole of the Manual, Platoon, & Funeral Exercise.. This Illuminated School of Mars, or Review of the Loyal Volunteer Corps of London and its vicinity.., originally published in London c1799 by Rudolf Ackermann.

In 18th and 19th centuries, The Volunteer Corps "in moments of alarm and of imminent dangers, so readily and honourably stood forward, at their own expense, to assist the Civil Magistrates, and to preserve the tranquillity of the Great and commercial Emporium; and to defend the Property of their less qualified neighbours from the ruffian hands of interested depredators, and from the malicious schemes of disloyalty.
To guard those Laws from violation, that have so long withstood the test of time, the Genius of the Nation drew the Sword, and Justice gave her sanction: to follow the bold example was the first wish of the Associators.."

Coloured print on cream background 255 x 205 mm (10 x 8 inches). Page size is 330 x 240 mm (13 x 9.5 inches).