Old German Brand Premium Lager Beer Flat Top Can

Cumberland's Old German Flat Top

This mid-century 12-ounce flat top represents the flagship offering from Cumberland, Maryland. The front of the can showcases a bold red scroll emblazoned with "THE ORIGINAL Old German BRAND PREMIUM LAGER" alongside an "Estd. 1901" notation tucked into the bottom corner. Positioned in the upper left is an illustrated blue globe framed by the company's trademark slogan, "The World knows no finer LAGER". Below the prominent blue block lettering for "BEER," this specific release is distinguished by the mandatory line "BREWED AND PACKED BY" printed in crisp red text just above the navy corporate signature for The Queen City Brewing Company.

Old German was introduced at the turn of the twentieth century and served as Queen City's hallmark label, marketed as a dependable, easy-drinking regional brew made with mountain spring water. It built a dedicated following across Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania through extensive regional marketing, from widespread tavern sign programs to the sponsorship of local sports leagues, such as the company-backed "Old German Hermanettes" women's softball team. Advertisements frequently featured the cartoon mascot "Herman the German" dressed in traditional attire. After Queen City ceased operations, consumer affection for the label kept it alive; the trademark was acquired by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, which continued to brew and distribute Old German.

The Queen City Brewing Company was founded in 1901 as the German Brewing Company, taking its later identity from Cumberland's historic designation as Maryland's "Queen City". The operation survived Prohibition by converting to the manufacture of ice and soft drinks under the name Queeno Company before returning to legal beer production and adopting the Queen City corporate name in 1941. In 1958, Queen City consolidated the local market by acquiring its historic neighborhood competitor, the Cumberland Brewing Company. At its post-war peak, Queen City was producing hundreds of thousands of barrels annually, but increasing competition from national conglomerates and labor challenges ultimately forced the Cumberland facility to shutter in December 1974.

For breweriana collectors, Queen City flat tops are central to preserving the legacy of western Maryland's industrial past. The bold scroll motif and contrasting color palette give the can strong visual appeal, while subtle printing differences in the brewery credit line provide engaging depth for regional shelf displays.