Fox Deluxe Beer Flat Top Can

Grand Rapids Fox Deluxe Flat Top

The Fox Deluxe Beer Flat Top Can holds a prominent position in Michigan's mid-century brewing heritage. Manufactured for the Peter Fox Brewing Company at its plant on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this can represents the regional distribution network established by the Fox brothers beyond their Chicago headquarters. The Grand Rapids site itself had deep roots in local brewing history, having previously operated as the Grand Rapids Brewing Company. The facility's reinforced structure gained local fame during mid-century municipal redevelopment when a wrecking ball reportedly bounced off the exterior walls before the building was dismantled.

Label and Variations

The can displays the distinctive Fox Deluxe script over rich red and metallic gold backgrounds. Lithographed primarily by packaging suppliers such as the American Can Company, the design incorporates the company's trademark emblem, "Keglined" notation, and the required Grand Rapids mandatory brewery statement.

Collectors recognize several label variations from the Grand Rapids facility. Earlier production runs carry the mandatory "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" (IRTP) statement, while subsequent runs phased out the statutory tax text. Variations also include differences in the metallic sheen of the gold backdrop, instructional text layout, and mandatory placement. During the Second World War, specialized olive drab versions were also manufactured for military distribution.

Because Fox Deluxe canned its products across multiple Midwestern facilities, cans bearing the explicit Grand Rapids brewery mandatory remain prized regional pieces for Michigan and midwestern breweriana collections.