Fox Deluxe Beer Flat Top Can

History of Fox Deluxe Flat Tops

The Fox Deluxe Beer flat top can represents one of the pioneering moments in midwestern canning history. Produced for the Peter Fox Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois, this can served as the flagship package for a regional powerhouse that experienced massive growth following the repeal of Prohibition.

In late 1935, Peter Fox Brewing made headlines across the industry by becoming the very first brewery in the state of Illinois—and only the eighth nationwide—to install flat top canning machinery. The Fox brothers invested heavily in this new container technology, placing significant upfront capital into canning equipment and supply orders. This early technological gamble paid off, helping elevate Peter Fox Brewing into national prominence as one of the top-ranking breweries in the United States during the mid-1940s.

Visually, the design centered around the distinctive fox mascot emblem paired with prominent brand lettering against clean metallic backdrops. Across its production run, several variations were introduced to the market. Collectors identify differences across early Opening Instruction panels, later non-instructional releases, distinct can manufacturer marks, and subtle changes to the mandatory legal text as brewery operations expanded.

Representing the vanguard of beer packaging innovation in Chicago, Fox Deluxe flat tops remain historically significant artifacts from the early era of canned beer.