Volunteers’ Insignia

The belt plates, buttons, and gorgets worn by the Irish Volunteers displayed their loyalties to both Ireland and King George III. This belt plate of the Lisburn Volunteers is engraved with a crowned harp symbolizing King George III’s rule over Ireland. An officer in the Tipperary Volunteers wore this silver gorget engraved with the King’s coat of arms.

Belt Plate
ca. 1780
Brass
© National Museum of Ireland

The belt plates, buttons, and gorgets worn by the Irish Volunteers displayed their loyalties to both Ireland and King George III. An officer in the Tipperary Volunteers wore this silver gorget engraved with the King’s coat of arms.

Gorget
ca. 1780
Silver
Courtesy of Peter Mark