National Bohemian Light Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can

National Bohemian 16 Oz Tab Top

Produced by The National Brewing Company of Baltimore, Maryland, the 16-ounce tab top can of National Bohemian Light Beer is an enduring piece of Mid-Atlantic breweriana. Widely recognized by its colloquial name, "Natty Boh," the brand features one of the most famous mascots in American commercial art: Mr. Boh, the one-eyed, winking character with a prominent handlebar mustache.

Design and Packaging

The 16-ounce format, often referred to as a "tall boy" or half-quart, provides an elongated visual display for the classic National Bohemian color scheme of red, white, and metallic tones. The face of the can prominently showcases the traditional heraldic crest, bold branding, and recognizable slogans associated with the Baltimore brewery.

Variations

Collectors track several variations of the 16-ounce tab top issue. Discrepancies among production batches include differences in metallic silver enamel finishes, paint brightness, and slight modifications to the mandatory brewery text and canning location lines along the seam.

Historical Context

Operating out of Baltimore's Canton neighborhood, The National Brewing Company grew into a regional brewing powerhouse that held deep cultural ties to Maryland sports and Chesapeake Bay traditions. This 16-ounce release represents an era of strong local independent brewing before widespread consolidation transformed the industry.