Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman BBQ & TV Flat Top Can

This mid-century 12-ounce flat top can was produced by the A. Gettelman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is part of Gettelman's celebrated pictorial series from the 1950s, which depicted vibrant scenes of leisure, recreation, and suburban life. The label artwork captures a lively outdoor barbecue setting, showing a host in a chef's hat tending a brick fireplace grill while a dog sits nearby and drinks are served. Centered directly above the illustration is the historic Gettelman insignia, showcasing an arm and hand holding aloft a filled glass of beer framed within a circular laurel wreath. The lower margin includes the mandatory manufacturing statements and the 12 fluid ounce measure.

Gettelman Milwaukee Beer was marketed as a dependable, premium regional lager tailored for friendly social occasions and outdoor relaxation. During the post-war era, Gettelman tied its brand identity closely to recreational leisure, outdoor sports, and home entertainment. The brewery had built its long-standing reputation on ingredient purity, famously established in the late 19th century with its "$1,000 Beer" challenge that guaranteed a cash reward to anyone who could prove the brew contained adjuncts beyond pure water, malt, and hops.

The A. Gettelman Brewing Company originated in 1856 when George Schweickhart founded the Menomonee Brewery in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. Adam Gettelman entered the business as a partner in 1871 and became sole proprietor in 1876, renaming the enterprise. Recognized as the smallest of Milwaukee's historic "Big Five" breweries alongside Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller, Gettelman maintained a loyal local following. The brewery survived Prohibition through the sale of near beer and malt syrups before resuming brewing operations with Repeal. In 1961, the company was purchased by neighboring Miller Brewing Company, which integrated Gettelman's plant and carried forward select brand recipes.

For breweriana collectors, Gettelman's pictorial flat tops represent a standout chapter in mid-century can art. The playful graphics, stylized suburban motifs, and variety of background colors make this scenic series an enduring favorite among vintage beer can enthusiasts.