Burgermeister Beer Flat Top Can

San Francisco's Burgermeister Can

Produced by San Francisco Brewing in San Francisco, California, this flat top container represents the brewery's flagship label during the Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) era. San Francisco Brewing grew from a modest regional operation into one of the largest brewing establishments in Northern California, largely powered by the popularity of its Burgermeister brand.

The front panel is dominated by a full-length illustration of the namesake "Burgermeister" (German for town mayor), dressed in traditional 18th-century attire complete with a tricorn hat, decorative waistcoat, and walking cane while raising a foaming glass stein in a celebratory toast. Beneath the standing figure, the brand name "Burgermeister" is rendered in elaborate Fraktur blackletter Gothic typography above the bold word "Beer," flanked by a "CONTENTS 12 FL. OZ." volume statement.

Collectors recognize several manufacturing variations of this label, distinguished by differences in mandatory brewery statements, opening instructions, and tax declaration wording.