Esslinger's Premium Beer Flat Top Can

Esslinger's Premium Beer Flat Top

This 12-ounce flat top container features Esslinger's Premium Beer, produced during the Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) era by Esslinger's, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The label is anchored by an angled chevron frame displaying the brewery's trademark bellhop-waiter character, often referred to by collectors as the "Little Man" or "King Pin" mascot. Illustrated in mid-stride with a winking expression, the figure balances a serving tray bearing two filled glasses alongside a miniature beverage container. Below the flowing script logo and bold "PREMIUM BEER" text, the lower section carries the mandatory federal tax statement alongside the Philadelphia brewery designation.

Esslinger’s Premium Beer served as the brewery’s flagship lager following the repeal of Prohibition. Positioned as a dependable, quality beer for local taverns and households across the Mid-Atlantic, the brand enjoyed dedicated regional loyalty. The company relied extensively on its cheerful mascot across point-of-sale displays, tavern signage, and print campaigns. While Esslinger's later explored inventive promotions such as the multi-can "Parti-Quiz" trivia series in the 1950s, intense postwar competition from sprawling national macro-breweries eventually led to the decline and disappearance of the original brand.

Founded in 1868 by George Esslinger, the brewery became a cornerstone of Philadelphia's industrial Callowhill neighborhood. Operating out of its prominent facility at 10th and Callowhill Streets, the enterprise thrived among the city’s dense brewing community. After surviving the dry years of Prohibition by halting alcohol production, the plant reopened in 1933 as Esslinger's, Inc. The company modernized its bottling and canning operations to become one of Philadelphia's most productive independent breweries before industry consolidation forced its closure in 1964.

For vintage can enthusiasts, this flat top serves as a prime artifact of Mid-Atlantic brewing heritage. The combination of mid-century tax-paid labeling, historic Philadelphia brewery lineage, and vibrant illustrated character artwork ensures that early Esslinger's cans remain highly regarded staples of brewery mascot collections.