R & H Staten Island Light Beer Flat Top Can

Historic Staten Island Can

The R & H Staten Island Light Beer Flat Top Can represents a pivotal piece of New York brewing history, originating from the Rubsam & Horrmann Brewing Company in the Stapleton neighborhood of Staten Island, New York.

Brewery Heritage

Founded in 1870 by German immigrants Joseph Rubsam and August Horrmann, the brewery operated out of the former Atlantic Brewery location on Canal Street. The facility famously utilized expansive underground lagering vaults carved directly into Boyd's Hill alongside on-site artesian wells. R&H grew into one of the largest and most prominent regional brewing operations in the New York metropolitan area, successfully navigating Prohibition before being acquired by Brooklyn's Piel Bros. in 1953.

Can Characteristics and Variations

Manufactured by the American Can Company, this 12-ounce container features the classic R&H emblem paired with bold mid-century typography. Cans from earlier production runs include the mandatory "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" (IRTP) statement on the side panel. Across different production batches, variations exist featuring differences in canning plant manufacturer numeric codes and minor side-panel text adjustments.

Legacy

Rubsam & Horrmann cans remain popular centerpieces for collectors of New York City breweriana. The brand's local cultural footprint was highlighted decades after the original brewery closed when Staten Island native Brian Quinn revived the historic R&H name for modern beer releases, celebrating the brewery's storied place in neighborhood lore.