Eastside Export Beer Flat Top Can

Vintage Eastside Export Flat Top Can

The Can

This 12-ounce flat top can represents a classic pre-World War II container produced by the American Can Company for the Los Angeles Brewing Company. A prominent feature of the design is the instructional header reading "COOL BEFORE SERVING" along the upper rim, accompanied by the mandatory Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) statement located to the left of the seam. The front face displays the brand name above a shield emblem depicting an eagle in flight, with copyright text dating the graphic treatment to 1938. The packaging also incorporates the "KEGLINED" trademark panel, and is recognized in standard opening instruction reference catalogs under entry L224.

The Brand

Eastside was established in the early 20th century, taking its name from the brewery's physical location on the east bank of the Los Angeles River. Marketed throughout California and the greater American West, Eastside Export was positioned as a dependable, premium regional lager. The brand utilized extensive print, radio, and billboard advertising campaigns emphasizing local brewing tradition and quality ingredients. In later decades, the Eastside brand evolved into several different iterations, including the popular Eastside Old Tap Lager.

The Brewery

The Los Angeles Brewing Company was founded in 1897 and entered a defining period in 1907 when German-born brewer George Zobelein acquired the plant after dissolving his partnership with Maier Brewing. Located on North Main Street, the plant expanded into one of the largest brewing establishments in Southern California. The company successfully weathered Prohibition by producing non-alcoholic beverages, cereal malts, and syrups, allowing it to quickly ramp up beer production following Repeal in 1933. In 1948, Pabst Brewing Company acquired the brewery, continuing to brew Eastside alongside its national portfolio until the facility eventually ceased operations.

Collecting Context

Pre-war flat tops from major West Coast regional producers represent an important chapter in early metal container history. Instructional cans featuring early tax statements and period canning technology remain highly prized by collectors of vintage regional breweriana and classic California advertising.