Rainier Beer Flat Top Can

Rainier Jubilee Barbecue Cartoon Can

Produced in 1956 by Sicks' Seattle Brewing & Malting Co. in Seattle, Washington, this 12-ounce flat top is part of the iconic Rainier Jubilee series. Rainier's Jubilee program began as a 75th-anniversary celebration before expanding into a sprawling array of decorative, colorful cans celebrating mid-century leisure, social gatherings, and popular illustrators.

The Cartoon Series and Robert Osborn Artwork

This specific can belongs to the Cartoon group within the Jubilee releases, which departed from scenic outdoor vistas and party patterns in favor of whimsical, comedic vignettes. The lower band showcases the "Barbecue" illustration by renowned American cartoonist and illustrator Robert Osborn, whose signature appears directly in the artwork. Osborn's energetic line drawing portrays the quintessential outdoor cookout mishap: guests scattering as rain pours down on the gathering, a humorous nod to Pacific Northwest weather.

Notable Design Elements

The can features an enamel finish pairing bright yellow bands with a crisp white body. The upper diagonal gold sash carries the brewery's mid-century promotional slogan, "Rainier for Life". Prominently displayed in the center is the classic Rainier script "R"—designed by the pioneering industrial design firm Walter Landor and Associates—decorated with interior dot patterning and framing a silhouette of Mount Rainier. Ghosted hop vines accent the white background, and the descriptor "Truly mild" appears alongside the primary brand lettering.

Collector Significance

Jubilee flat tops represent a high point in graphic beer packaging from the 1950s. Collectors closely study these cans for diverse variations in color palettes, rim text configurations, and canning company markings. The Cartoon series remains one of the most distinctive chapters in the Rainier Jubilee run due to its named artist collaborations and lighthearted mid-century humor.