Lubeck Royal Beer Flat Top Can

Chicago's Lubeck Royal Flat Top

Packaged by the Manhattan Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois, this flat top can represents an intriguing chapter of Midwestern brewing history. While the Lubeck label originally gained prominence through the Lubeck Brewing Company in Toledo, Ohio, the brand was also canned in Chicago under Manhattan Brewing Company's operations. Manhattan Brewing operated out of a historic South Union Avenue plant with a storied heritage spanning the pre- and post-Prohibition eras before later reorganizing.

The visual design of the can centers on a traditional heraldic motif. A prominent shield and crest anchor the front face, complemented by bold typography and banner ribbons highlighting the royal theme. Documented in opening instruction reference literature under the Lilek classification system as entry 502, this specific version is recognized for its dull gray background finish.

Collectors tracking Chicago breweriana note several variations of Lubeck flat tops across different production runs, distinguished by alterations to the mandatory legal text along the seam, shield detailing, and variations in background luster ranging from duller gray tones to brighter metallic finishes.