Rare 19thc. Staffordshire Portrait figure titled VOLUNTEER RIFLES (V.RIFLES).
In 1859 Austria demanded the disarmanent of Sardinia.  This was refused and a French Army advanced to aid the Sardinians.  The Austrians were defeated and in 1860 Savoy and Nice were ceded to France.  The annexation of the territories by Napoleon III aroused a grave suspician of his intentions and caused a revival of the Volunteers, by Summer of 1860 130,000 had been enrolled, 21,000 of whom were reviewed by Queen Victoria in Hyde Park. 
12" high.
Condition: neck on right hand soldier repaired and chip on base repaired.
Ref # 4778 - £345