Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Milwaukee Fishing Can

The Gettelman Milwaukee Beer flat top can featuring the fishing motif represents a celebrated era of Wisconsin breweriana produced by the A. Gettelman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1856 in the Menomonee River Valley, Gettelman held a prominent local identity as the smallest member of Milwaukee's legendary "Big Five" breweries, competing alongside Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz, and Miller.

To stand out against its larger regional competitors, Gettelman embraced innovative and colorful graphic packaging. During the mid-1950s, the brewery launched an eye-catching pictorial series that highlighted mid-century leisure and outdoor recreational activities. The fishing scene was tailored to appeal directly to the sporting culture and angling traditions of the Upper Midwest.

For collectors of Midwestern brewery items, Gettelman's activity-themed cans are particularly sought after for their dynamic illustrations. Known variations exist across different production runs, featuring varied background colors, slight modifications to side mandatory text, and different can manufacturer marks. Production of authentic Gettelman packaging ceased following the brewery's acquisition by the Miller Brewing Company in 1961, cementing these pictorial cans as cherished pieces of Milwaukee brewing history.