Eastside Export Beer Flat Top Can

Eastside Export Beer Flat Top Can

The Can

This 12-ounce enamel flat top dates to the late 1930s and was produced for the Los Angeles Brewing Company of Los Angeles, California. The front of the can displays the prominent "Eastside" bold lettering over the brewery's classic crest featuring a soaring eagle, complete with a 1936 copyright marking. Along the lower rim, the mandatory "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" (IRTP) statement is clearly printed, marking it as a pre-1950 era release. In reference catalogs focusing on opening instructional flat tops, this enamel variant is cataloged under number 226.

The Brand

The Eastside brand originated in the early 20th century under brewer George Zobelein. After parting ways with his former partner Joseph Maier, Zobelein named the beer after the brewery's physical location situated on the east side of the Los Angeles River along North Main Street. Eastside was heavily marketed across Southern California as a premium everyday beer and grew into one of the region's most recognizable consumer names. Over the decades, the recipe and brand evolved, eventually becoming known as Eastside Old Tap before disappearing from store shelves.

The Brewery

Founded in 1897, the Los Angeles Brewing Company expanded substantially after George Zobelein acquired controlling interest in 1907. When Prohibition took effect, the business survived by shifting production to non-alcoholic near beer, soft drinks, syrups, and cider. With Repeal in 1933, the brewery quickly ramped up production to re-establish itself as one of California's powerhouse regional operations. In 1948, Pabst Brewing Company acquired the brewery to secure a West Coast footprint, eventually expanding the complex in the 1950s and continuing operations on Main Street until closing the facility in 1979.

Collecting Context

Pre-World War II instructional flat tops carrying the IRTP tax statement remain key focal points in the hobby. Representing California's rich mid-century brewing industry, this can is highly appreciated among West Coast regional enthusiasts and collectors of classic pre-war graphic designs.