Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Division Flat Top

The Gettelman Milwaukee Beer flat top can produced under the Gettelman Div. of Miller represents an important transition in Milwaukee's brewing legacy. Originally established in the mid-nineteenth century, the A. Gettelman Brewing Company stood alongside Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller as one of the storied "Big Five" breweries that shaped the city's identity as a brewing capital.

In 1961, Miller Brewing Company acquired its Menomonee Valley neighbor. Following the sale, Miller maintained production of Gettelman-branded beers while updating the mandatory brewery credits to reflect the new corporate structure. Cans bearing the "Gettelman Div. of Miller" designation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin document this specific era of post-acquisition manufacturing, making them notable historical artifacts of mid-century consolidation among American regional brewers.

Prior to the merger, Gettelman established a prominent reputation through advertising initiatives such as the famous "$1,000 Beer" challenge and the introduction of enduring labels like Milwaukee's Best. For collectors studying this label, known variations exist regarding mandatory text placement, font styling, and canning plant manufacturing symbols. The can remains a celebrated piece of breweriana connecting two major names in Wisconsin brewing history.