Red Fox Light Beer Cone Top Can

Red Fox Light Beer Cone Top Can

This twelve-ounce low-profile cone top can represents the mid-20th-century canning era. A notable regulatory feature is the "INTERNAL REVENUE TAX PAID" statement printed directly across the upper front face, reflecting the mandatory federal tax compliance marking required on malt beverage packaging until 1950. The front label is highlighted by the brand's mascot: an anthropomorphic fox dressed in a red coat, bow tie, and knickers, briskly carrying a serving tray with two foaming glasses of beer.

Red Fox was the flagship label line introduced by the brewery after the end of Prohibition. Extensively advertised across southern New England through tavern signage, lighted clocks, and print media, the brand established a strong regional presence. While ale was initially the primary focus, the light beer variation was introduced to appeal to consumers seeking a crisper, lighter lager. The brand remained active throughout the brewery's post-Repeal existence.

The beer was brewed and packaged by the Largay Brewing Company, Inc. of Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1933, the Largay family reopened and modernized the historic brewery complex on Bank Street, which had originally been established in the 1870s as the Naugatuck Valley Brewery and later operated as the Hellmann Brewing Company before nationwide Prohibition forced its closure. Largay became one of the key local producers in post-Repeal Connecticut, supplying taverns and grocers throughout the region. However, post-World War II economic pressures, rising production costs, and increasing competition from heavily advertised national shipping breweries led to the company closing its doors in 1947.

Among breweriana enthusiasts, this can is a prized example of Connecticut brewing history. Pre-1950 cone top cans from New England breweries are particularly popular due to the limited number of packaging breweries that operated in Connecticut during that era. The can remains popular for its recognizable mascot artwork and its connection to Waterbury's industrial brewing past.