Old Crown Bock Flat Top Can

Old Crown Bock Flat Top Can

The Old Crown Bock Flat Top Can represents a classic mid-century seasonal release from the Centlivre Brewing Corporation of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1862 along the St. Joseph River by French cooper Charles L. Centlivre, the brewery expanded over decades into one of northern Indiana's most prominent regional brewing institutions. Following the end of Prohibition and Centlivre's pioneering adoption of canning in northern Indiana, the "Old Crown" banner became the company's flagship brand family.

Background and Design

Centlivre produced Old Crown Bock as a specialty seasonal release tied to traditional spring brewing customs. In keeping with classic American bock packaging of the era, the can's graphic design prominently featured traditional bock symbolism, including a goat motif set alongside the Old Crown brand identity and heraldic crown artwork. Cans were fabricated in the standard 12-ounce format by major mid-century packaging firms, prominently including the American Can Company.

Collector Significance

Among Midwestern breweriana collectors, items from Fort Wayne's brewing history hold strong appeal. Because bock was packaged strictly on a seasonal basis rather than continuously throughout the calendar year, Old Crown Bock cans were produced in substantially lower quantities than the brewery's standard year-round lagers and ales.

Collectors recognize variations of the Old Crown Bock flat top across its era of distribution. These differences typically involve subtle revisions to can manufacturer markings, mandatory legal statements, and minor shifts in brewery corporate naming. Cans bearing the original "Centlivre Brewing Corp." designation remain standout highlights of northern Indiana brewing history.