Burgermeister Beer Pint Can

Burgermeister 16 oz Pint Can

The Burgermeister Beer Pint Can is a notable mid-century regional package produced for the San Francisco Brewing Corporation (later operating as Burgermeister Brewing Corp.) in San Francisco, California. Representing the brewery's flagship label—affectionately known among consumers and breweriana enthusiasts as "Burgie"—this 16-ounce container was commonly marketed under designations such as "Half Quart" and "One Pint".

Brewery History and Market Presence

Originating from the historic brewing district along 10th Street in San Francisco, Burgermeister grew into one of the top-selling beer brands across California and the Pacific West. To compete with national shipping breweries and satisfy retail demand for larger take-home sizes, the company distributed its pale beer in pint cans alongside its standard formats. The brand's substantial market footprint later placed it at the center of high-profile industry shifts, including an acquisition by Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company that resulted in a major federal antitrust case during the 1960s.

Can Design and Collector Notes

The can features the prominent Burgermeister typography alongside the long-running tagline, "A Truly Fine Pale Beer." For breweriana collectors, several variations exist across production runs. These variations reflect shifts in mandatory corporate text—transitioning from San Francisco Brewing Corp. to Burgermeister Brewing Corp.—as well as differing volume statements on the face, such as "Half Quart" compared to "One Pint," and factory marks from can manufacturers including the American Can Company and Pacific Can Company.