Old Shay De Luxe Beer Crowntainer

Old Shay De Luxe Crowntainer

The Old Shay De Luxe Beer Crowntainer represents an iconic chapter in Western Pennsylvania brewing history, produced by the Fort Pitt Brewing Company at its Jeannette, Pennsylvania facility.

Brewery Heritage

The Old Shay brand originated with the Victor Brewing Company of Jeannette. In 1941, Fort Pitt Brewing Company acquired the Victor plant to expand its overall output beyond its primary Sharpsburg operation near Pittsburgh. During this era, Fort Pitt grew into one of the largest brewing operations in Pennsylvania, famous for its regional marketing and strong market share. Rather than discontinuing the local brand, Fort Pitt maintained and distributed Old Shay as a distinct product line packaged at the Jeannette facility.

Label Characteristics and Variations

The can features bold mid-century typography alongside traditional Old Shay branding. Can specimens bearing the Jeannette, Pennsylvania mandatory line directly document the output of the repurposed Victor brewery.

Breweriana collectors track several variations of this can, primarily distinguished by changes in federal labeling regulations over time. Certain versions include the Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) notation, while others reflect the period following the repeal of federal tax statement requirements. Additional variations display differences in factory text formatting, manufacturer copyright markings, and city designations between the Jeannette plant and Fort Pitt's Pittsburgh headquarters.