Burgemeister Pilsener Beer Cone Top Can

Warsaw's Burgemeister Cone Top

The Burgemeister Pilsener Beer cone top was produced by the Warsaw Brewing Corporation of Warsaw, Illinois. Situated along the Mississippi River, Warsaw Brewing was a prominent regional brewery in western Illinois following the repeal of Prohibition.

A notable aspect of this can is its spelling: while many collectors are familiar with the West Coast 'Burgermeister' brand, Warsaw marketed its brew as 'Burgemeister' (with an 'ei' instead of 'er'). The can design highlights bold typography, heraldic accents, and classic metallic lithography emblematic of the mid-century Midwest brewing scene.

Manufactured by the Continental Can Company under their 'Cap Sealed' line, this high-profile container was distributed across local and regional markets. Collectors recognize variations that reflect historical regulatory shifts and manufacturing updates, including releases featuring the 'Internal Revenue Tax Paid' (IRTP) mandatory statement as well as later non-IRTP versions and minor panel text adjustments.

Because the Warsaw Brewing Corporation operated in a relatively small market, surviving cans from this small-town Illinois facility remain prized centerpiece items among regional breweriana and mid-century packaging enthusiasts.