Gold Medal Beer Quart

Stegmaier Gold Medal Beer Quart

The Can

This 32-ounce quart cone top can held Gold Medal Beer, packaged by the Stegmaier Brewing Company of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Produced during the Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) era, this large-format container carries an Internal Revenue tax statement. A key distinguishing detail on the lithographed label is the central brown monogram shield bearing the stylized "BSCo" initials, bordered by intricate depictions of international exposition medallions.

The Brand

Stegmaier promoted the Gold Medal brand following its triumphant awards sweep at European expositions between 1910 and 1913. The beer secured grand prizes and honors in cities such as Rome, Paris, and Antwerp—accolades commemorated directly in the label's detailed artwork. Positioned as the brewery's flagship brew, Gold Medal Beer was marketed extensively across the East Coast as a premium, traditionally crafted lager. The brand remained a regional staple for decades and continued production under new ownership after the original brewery ceased operations.

The Brewery

The origins of the Stegmaier Brewing Company trace back to 1857, when German immigrant Charles Stegmaier and his father-in-law, George Baer, established a small brewing enterprise in Wilkes-Barre. Officially incorporated as the Stegmaier Brewing Company in 1897, the operation expanded rapidly to become one of the largest independent regional breweries in North America. During Prohibition, Stegmaier remained solvent by producing near beer and cereal beverages, enabling the company to promptly resume full-scale brewing upon repeal. By the mid-20th century, extensive distribution networks carried Stegmaier products from New England to Florida. Facing intense competition from national macro-breweries, Stegmaier closed in 1974, selling its label portfolio to Wilkes-Barre's Lion Brewery.

Collecting Context

Quart cone tops occupy a celebrated niche among breweriana enthusiasts due to their imposing size and striking display presence. The Stegmaier quart remains an iconic representative of Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region brewing heritage, valued for its deep color palette and detailed historic exposition medals.