Old Gold Beer Flat Top Can

St. Claire Old Gold Flat Top

The Old Gold Beer Flat Top Can represents a notable artifact from the post-Prohibition brewing landscape of Northern California. Brewed and packaged by the St. Claire Brewing Company of San Jose, California, this can is a prized collectible among enthusiasts of West Coast breweriana.

Historical Context

Following the repeal of Prohibition, the St. Claire Brewing Company operated out of San Jose at the corner of Auzerais and Lincoln Avenue. The brewery produced regional brands to serve the expanding Santa Clara Valley market before ceasing operations in the pre-World War II era. Old Gold Beer stood out as one of their primary labels during this active period of local brewing.

Manufacturing and Labeling Details

Manufactured by the Pacific Can Company—a major regional container manufacturer that supplied many Pacific Coast breweries—the can was produced in a standard 12-ounce format. As with cans from this period, it features the mandatory Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) statement printed on the side panel.

Collectors have documented variations of the Old Gold Beer flat top, primarily involving subtle text arrangements, patent notices, and the presence or absence of mandatory regulatory statements. Because of the relatively brief operational span of the St. Claire Brewing Company, examples of this can remain highly desirable among Santa Clara Valley and West Coast breweriana collectors.