Blackhawk Topping Beer Cone Top Can

Davenport's Blackhawk Topping Cone

The Blackhawk Topping Beer Cone Top Can is a notable Midwestern collectible produced by the Blackhawk Brewing Company of Davenport, Iowa. Originating from the historic Quad Cities brewing scene, this container represents the post-Prohibition era when regional breweries competed fiercely with striking label designs.

Graphic Design and Heritage

The face of the can is distinguished by its vivid yellow, red, black, and white color palette. Centered prominently on the front is an illustrated portrait of Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk in profile, adorned with traditional feathers. Above and around the imagery, bold "Topping Beer" lettering sweeps across the design, framed with decorative accents and the brewery's Davenport location. Many examples also carry the historic slogan "A Famous Brew Since 1882," celebrating the legacy of brewing operations at the West 3rd Street site, which previously housed the Independent Malting Company and Zoller Brewing Company before becoming Blackhawk Brewing.

Manufacturing and Variations

Manufactured under Continental Can Company's "Cap Sealed" design, the container features a high-profile cone top structure. Collectors seek out several known variations of the label. These differences typically appear across the mandatory legal text and state-specific tax statements, such as variants displaying Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) phrasing or specific alcohol percentage declarations. Subtle differences in graphic framing, text alignment, and background coloration have also been documented across production runs.

Collector Significance

Because Blackhawk Brewing Company maintained a focused regional distribution footprint in Iowa and neighboring states, surviving containers are highly sought after by regional specialists and breweriana enthusiasts. The bold Chief Black Hawk iconography and classic color scheme make it an enduring favorite among collectors of early canned breweriana.