Olympia Export Type Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Olympia Export Type 12 Oz Can

The Olympia Export Type Beer 12 oz tab top can represents a classic piece of Pacific Northwest breweriana produced by the Olympia Brewing Company of Tumwater and Olympia, Washington. Founded by Leopold Schmidt in 1896, the brewery established widespread brand recognition built around its regional water source and iconic marketing.

Visual Design and Insignia

The can features the brand's recognizable gold, cream, and red color scheme. Central to the face is Olympia's hallmark horseshoe logo enclosing a depiction of the historic Tumwater Falls. Directly below the emblem sits the famous company motto, "It's the Water," referencing the natural artesian wells that supplied the brewing operations. The display label highlights the "Export Type" designation, which evolved from the historic "Pale Export" branding. The reverse side includes the classic artesian water statement, detailing how the natural purity and solvent properties of the water contributed to the brewing process.

Manufacturing and Production Details

During this era of self-opening packaging, Olympia utilized major container fabricators such as the American Can Company and the Continental Can Company. Cans were produced in both all-aluminum formats and steel bodies with aluminum pull-tab lids.

Collector Variations

Among collectors of Northwest breweriana, several variations exist across production runs:

• Manufacturer Markings: Cans feature distinct maker trademarks, including the American Can Company "Keglined" symbol and various Continental Can factory stampings.
• Label and Text Differences: Variations in mandatory statements, alcohol content declarations, and brewery location text appear across different regional distribution channels.
• Lettering and Graphics: Subtle differences can be observed in typography styling, ranging from solid lettering to striped font variants on the title banners.
• Can End and Seam Profiles: Variations exist in the chime styling, bottom profiles, and side seam construction across different manufacturing plants.