Iron City Premium Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Pittsburgh's 16 Oz Snap Top Pioneer

Produced by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Iron City Premium Beer 16 oz tab top holds an important place in breweriana history. Following the successful market debut of the tab top mechanism on standard containers in late 1962, Pittsburgh Brewing Company quickly expanded the format, becoming the first brewery to release a 16-ounce pint container with a tab top to the market in the spring of 1963.

The can showcases the classic Iron City color scheme and heritage imagery, prominently displaying the company's trademark shield insignia alongside bold red and white graphical elements. To capitalize on the widespread popularity of their packaging innovation, the brewery incorporated promotional slogans across production runs, featuring celebratory text such as "New Easy Open Snap Top" and "No. 1 With The Snap Top". The brewery was fiercely protective of this marketing identity, even initiating legal action against cross-town rival Duquesne Brewing over promotional terminology.

Collectors recognize several variations of this 16-ounce container. These variations include subtle shifts in mandatory side panel text, adjustments in the phrasing celebrating the opening feature, and modifications in manufacturer markings and metallic finish details. Representing a pivotal moment in mid-century packaging history, this pint can remains an essential centerpiece for Pennsylvania collections and tab top enthusiasts.