Beer Flat Top Can (Propeller)

Schlitz Propeller Wartime Can

The Jos. Schlitz "Propeller" flat top stands as one of the most historically significant military-issue cans from the World War II era. Manufactured by the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it was produced under government contract for Allied armed forces serving overseas.

Unlike traditional civilian packaging from the brewery, the graphic design centers on Allied aviation and patriotic symbolism. The primary face features an airplane propeller emblazoned across a prominent "V" for Victory motif. Rather than displaying prominent commercial brand banners, the front is designated plainly with the word "BEER," while the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company name and Milwaukee origin appear within the mandatory text.

Because these cans were packaged for military consumption and export outside the continental United States, they were printed with official tax-exemption markings, such as "Withdrawn Free of Internal Revenue Tax for Exportation".

Collectors recognize variations of the design featuring subtle differences in text placement, patent markings, and background coloration. Because the vast majority were shipped to active theaters of conflict around the globe, surviving specimens serve as celebrated artifacts of wartime breweriana.