Late 19th Century Richmond Light Infantry Blue Silver Hip Flask.

• Flat circular form, 4½" in height and 1" thick. Composition is 7.8% Silver, balance is Tin.
• From our research, we believe this was made by The Van Berghs & Co. Buchanan & Sons.
• Engraved with a single soldier at attention in front of the Virginia State Capitol building, lettered "RICHMOND LIGHT INFANTRY BLUES 1789" encircling image, with screw cap likely late 19th Century. 
• The Richmond Light Infantry Blues were established in 1789 as a company of voluntary militia. Named for their distinctive blue and white uniforms, the company became the 19th Regiment of Virginia Militia in 1792 and part of the 1st Virginia Regiment in 1851. In 1861, they were detached from the 1st Virginia Regiment and served throughout the Civil War as Company A, 46th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. They rejoined the 1st Virginia Regiment after the close of the war, but were chartered as in independent company in 1877, remaining so until the Spanish-American War. 
• The flask shows signs of age, use and wear. Surface scratches, tarnish, a couple of shallow dents along the rim.