Esslinger Special Beer Flat Top Can

Esslinger Special Beer Flat Top

Produced by Esslinger's Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Esslinger Special Beer flat top can represents a notable chapter in East Coast brewing history. Esslinger's holds an important place in breweriana heritage, recognized as the first brewery in Philadelphia to package its beer in cans.

Brewery Heritage and Design

Founded in 1868 by George Esslinger, the brewery grew to become one of Philadelphia's most enduring brewing operations, surviving into the postwar era as one of only a few remaining local breweries. The Esslinger Special label featured clean graphic design with bold lettering and prominent brand badging, proudly reflecting the brewery's Philadelphia roots.

Production and Collector Variations

Collectors of Esslinger cans recognize several manufacturing variations across production runs. Major packaging manufacturers, including the Continental Can Company and the American Can Company, produced containers for the brewery, resulting in differing maker marks along the seam and rims.

Known variations also exist in the label layout itself, such as differences in the width of the decorative metallic bands framing the brand identity. Additionally, cans can be found with state-specific tax stamps stamped or printed directly onto the lids—such as Pennsylvania tax lids—reflecting the regional tax compliance requirements of the era.

While the brewery is widely remembered for novelty releases like the trivia-filled Parti Quiz series and its "Little Man" mascot, the Esslinger Special Beer flat top remains a classic and foundational centerpiece for regional can collectors.