Esslinger's Bock Flat Top Can

Esslinger's Bock Parti-Quiz Flat Top

This 12-ounce flat top can represents one of the most creative mid-century packaging promotions in American brewing history. Issued during the 1950s by Esslinger's, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the can belongs to the celebrated "Parti-Quiz" trivia set, distinguished by the "World's Largest" trivia question. The front display features bold red vertical "BOCK" typography set against a metallic silver background populated with trivia tidbits and five-pointed stars. Centered in a red oval is the brewery's trademark "Little Man" waiter mascot alongside the "Facts for Fun" slogan, flanked by stylized "Parti Quiz" script. A lower red band proclaims the brew as "Philadelphia's Premium Beer."

Esslinger offered bock beer as a rich, seasonal spring specialty to complement its core lineup of premium lagers and cream ales. To engage consumers in social settings, the brewery launched the Parti-Quiz campaign, turning its cans into interactive conversation pieces printed with hundreds of different trivia questions covering sports, geography, history, and pop culture. The cheerful waiter mascot, carrying a bottle and pilsner glass on a tray, appeared widely across billboards, tavern signs, and early television commercials, anchoring the brand's friendly regional identity.

Esslinger traced its roots back to 1868, establishing its longtime home at 10th and Callowhill Streets in Philadelphia. Originally founded by George Esslinger, the family business expanded into George Esslinger & Son Brewing Company before operations were halted by Prohibition. Following repeal in 1933, the business reorganized as Esslinger's, Inc. and quickly regained standing as a major regional player in the Delaware Valley. As post-war competition from national mega-breweries intensified, the independent brewery eventually ceased operations in 1964.

Esslinger's Parti-Quiz series remains a cornerstone collecting category in breweriana, admired for its mid-century graphic charm and extensive variety of facts. Within the series, bock cans are especially sought after by collectors because seasonal bock runs were brewed and distributed for only a short window each year, making them far less common than their standard lager counterparts.