Old St. Louis Beer Flat Top Can

Mid-Century St. Louis Brewing Heritage

This twelve-ounce flat top can represents a classic mid-1950s release from the St. Louis, Missouri brewing scene. Produced by the American Can Company, the container is finished in rich navy blue and metallic gold tones. The upper face prominently features the silhouette of the equestrian statue Apotheosis of St. Louis, depicting King Louis IX in armor holding an upright sword—a defining symbol of the city. Below the crest, a central oval cartouche showcases the "old St. Louis select" brand lettering, underlined by the claim of "premium quality BEER." The side margin bears the mandatory statement confirming it was brewed and filled by the Lami Brewery Company.

The Old St. Louis name carried deep local resonance, having previously appeared on cans and bottles produced by earlier St. Louis packaging operations before being revived as a regional label. Marketed to price-conscious consumers who still desired a respectable local product, the "select" identifier emphasized dependable quality at an accessible everyday value.

Lami Brewery Company was an operating trade name utilized by the renowned Griesedieck Bros. Brewing Company from 1954 to 1957. Founded in 1911 and operating out of a large facility on Shenandoah Avenue in South St. Louis, Griesedieck Bros. emerged from Prohibition to become one of the Midwest's brewing powerhouses. To capture budget-minded retail market share without eroding the premium reputation of their flagship label, major breweries frequently adopted subsidiary aliases. The Lami imprint served this marketing purpose during the fierce post-war consolidation era, shortly before Griesedieck Bros. was acquired by Falstaff Brewing Corporation in 1957.

For breweriana enthusiasts, this can occupies an intriguing niche within St. Louis collecting circles. As a short-lived alias issue from the iconic Griesedieck family brewing dynasty, it provides tangible evidence of mid-twentieth-century corporate strategy and secondary brand segmentation. Its striking civic imagery and classic mid-century typography make it a sought-after addition to vintage regional displays.