Eastside (zobelein's) Beer Flat Top Can

Eastside Flat Top from Los Angeles

Produced by the Los Angeles Brewing Company in Los Angeles, California, this flat top can represents a classic era in Southern California brewing history. The brewery was originally established in 1897 and acquired in 1907 by Bavarian immigrant brewer George Zobelein following a dispute with his former business partners at the Maier & Zobelein Brewery. Because the plant was situated on North Main Street just east of the Los Angeles River in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, Zobelein named his flagship brand "Eastside."

The Eastside brand grew into one of the most prominent regional beers in the American West. The company survived Prohibition by marketing near beer and various non-alcoholic beverages under the Zesto Beverage moniker before returning to standard brewing operations upon repeal in 1933. The North Main Street facility became so synonymous with the product that it was commonly referred to as the Eastside Brewery.

The front face of this container is characterized by a central medallion framed in bold red and cream borders against a deep blue background. The arching text at the top honors the founder with "ZOBELEIN'S" in bold lettering. Directly below, the design features an eagle in flight clutching hop cones, set above a heraldic shield displaying the bold "EASTSIDE" brand lettering. The face of the can also includes a distinctive "© COPYRIGHT 1950" notice credited to the Los Angeles Brewing Company situated just above the eagle illustration, complemented by a two-line mandatory statement.

During the post-war era, the brewery was purchased by the Pabst Brewing Company. In subsequent years, Pabst updated the facility and eventually rebranded the flagship product to Eastside Old Tap, making cans bearing the original Zobelein's moniker and Los Angeles Brewing Company designation key artifacts of the city's mid-century brewing scene.