Old Gold Seven Star Lager Beer Flat Top Can

Manhattan's Old Gold Seven Star

The Old Gold Seven Star Lager Beer flat top can represents a notable piece of American breweriana produced by the Manhattan Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois. Manufactured in conjunction with the American Can Company, the container features the distinctive Seven Star insignia and bold graphic typography emblematic of the era.

Behind the can stands the storied history of the Manhattan Brewing Company itself. Established on Chicago's South Side in the late 19th century, the brewery navigated Prohibition through corporate reorganizations and covert operations, maintaining well-documented associations with prominent underworld figures such as Johnny Torrio, Louis Greenberg, and Frank Nitti. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Manhattan modernized rapidly, becoming an early adopter of canning technology and briefly ranking among the highest-volume canned beer producers in the United States.

The Old Gold brand was distributed across Midwestern markets, and the label design was also shared with other regional facilities, such as Michigan's Food City Brewing. Collectors recognize multiple variations of the Old Gold Seven Star container across production runs, distinguished by subtle differences in Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) phrasing, patent notices, side panel text configurations, and manufacturer plant codes. Due to Manhattan Brewing's dynamic operational history and evolving label requirements, this can remains a treasured centerpiece for Chicago breweriana enthusiasts.