Gam Gambrinus Beer Cone Top Can

August Wagner Gambrinus Cone Top

Produced by August Wagner Breweries in Columbus, Ohio, the Gam Gambrinus Beer cone top can represents one of the most recognizable packages from the historic Midwestern regional brewer. August Wagner, a German immigrant brewmaster, originally founded the operation as the Gambrinus Brewing and Bottling Company in 1906, choosing King Gambrinus—the legendary patron king of brewing—as the centerpiece of the company's branding.

The label art prominently features King Gambrinus, paired with the bold nickname "Gam" and the phrase "The Good Gambrinus Beer". Over the course of the brand's packaging history, several variations were manufactured. Known variations include versions where King Gambrinus is depicted holding a glass of beer versus versions where he appears without the glass, as well as shifts in regulatory markings such as Internal Revenue Tax Paid statements and adjustments to the metallic gold trim.

During the brewery's regional marketing push across Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia, the brand achieved notable pop-culture visibility. Acclaimed Ohio-born comedian Jonathan Winters was featured in prominent advertising campaigns promoting Wagner's Gambrinus Beer in cone top containers. The brewery itself also drew national attention through August Wagner's daughter, Helen Wagner, who served as vice president of the company and appeared on the television program What's My Line? in 1962.

August Wagner Breweries remained a cornerstone of Columbus brewing until closing in the 1970s. Today, the Gam Gambrinus cone top is an essential piece for collectors specializing in Ohio brewing history and mid-century graphic breweriana.