Buying Dumbartonshire Rifle Volunteer Corps - Circa 1860

In 1859 the threat of another war with France led to the creation of local volunteer forces under the direction of the War Office. 7th May 1860 saw the formation of the Dumbartonshire Rifle Volunteers (the “DRV”), who had their first head-quarters at Balloch. Initially the Battalion consisted of 10 companies including at Bonhill, Jamestown Alexandria, Luss but neither Renton nor Kilmaronock. Later 4 additional companies were raised including one at Tarbet. On 28th April 1880 the Battalion was consolidated under the title 1st Dumbartonshire Rifle Volunteer Corps (“DRVC”) with its head-quarters in Helensburgh.

The 1881 Cardwell Reforms brought sweeping changes in the British Army, part of which was linking the county volunteers to a regular regiment of the line. Thus the 1st Dumbartonshire Rifle Volunteer buying Corps became attached to Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders). The Battalion was entitled to wear the uniform and badges of the regiment, although it insisted in retaining the Elephant and Castle emblem in the Argyll badge.

 
Some smoothing to the brass, but is a superb example of a pre-1900 Glengarry badge.