Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Overview

The Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can represents a key piece of breweriana from the A. Gettelman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in the mid-nineteenth century, Gettelman held a distinct place in brewing history as the smallest member of Milwaukee's historic "Big Five" breweries—alongside industry giants Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller.

Brewery History and Innovation

Operating in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, A. Gettelman developed a reputation for technical innovation in packaging and brewing equipment. The brewery pioneered several developments in pasteurization, steel storage tanks, and container handling. While Gettelman remained a regional brewer compared to its massive neighbors, brands like its Milwaukee Beer enjoyed strong local loyalty. The company operated as an independent family-run brewery until 1961, when it was acquired by the adjacent Miller Brewing Company.

Container Design and Variations

The can showcases classic mid-century graphic styling centered around the Gettelman name and its Milwaukee heritage. It displays the mandatory brewery address marking the plant's Menomonee Valley operations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Collectors recognize variations of the can, with differences found in the arrangement of legal text, tax statement wording, and canning manufacturer codes along the seam. Because Gettelman maintained independent canning operations prior to the Miller buyout, examples from this era remain sought-after pieces of Wisconsin's mid-century brewing legacy.