Fox Head 400 Beer Flat Top Can

Fox Head 400 Beer Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top dates to the 1950s, hailing from the post-Internal Revenue Tax Paid era of American can manufacturing. What distinguishes this particular variation in collector catalogs is its specific color and print treatment: the arched border framing the top crest is applied in opaque enamel silver paint rather than relying on unprinted metallic tinplate. In addition, the can highlights the mineral-rich brewing source by rendering the words "WAUKESHA WATER" in striking red capital letters, accompanied by "Wisconsin's" in red script just below the central blue-and-white striped field.

Fox Head introduced "400" Beer in September 1936, drawing its name from the high-society social register as well as the Chicago & North Western passenger train. It quickly emerged as the brewery's premier brand. Advertising for Fox Head "400" hinged on regional pride and natural ingredients, emphasizing the promotional phrase, "Brewed with Wisconsin's World Famous Waukesha Water". The can's upper circle showcases the company’s signature fox portrait, which served as a focal point across bottles, cans, and tavern signage throughout the Midwest.

The brewery's origins in Waukesha, Wisconsin, reach back to 1893 with the founding of the Waukesha Spring Brewing Company. After operating for decades as the Milwaukee-Waukesha Brewing Company, the business survived Prohibition by producing near-beer, sodas, and bottled spring water. Following repeal, the rebranded Fox Head Waukesha Corporation grew under the leadership of Emilie Lindemann, who gained national notice as one of the country's few female brewery presidents. In 1955, the brewery merged into the operations of Peter Fox Brewing of Chicago. Following a corporate reorganization under the Noramco umbrella, the facility was purchased by the G. Heileman Brewing Company in 1962, effectively ending brewing operations in Waukesha.

Mid-century Fox Head cans remain highly popular among collectors of Wisconsin breweriana. The brand's vertical striped design and vivid fox mascot make it instantly recognizable, while manufacturing variations in paint application—such as enamel versus metallic finishes—give these cans enduring appeal on the collector shelf.