Red Fox Premium Beer Cone Top Can

Waterbury's Classic Red Fox Cone Top

This 12-ounce cone top can represents an early packaging format used by the Largay Brewing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut. Bearing the mandatory Internal Revenue Tax Paid statement required during the era, the can features the brand's distinguished mascot: an anthropomorphic red fox wearing a red jacket, bow tie, and trousers while balancing a serving tray with two glasses of beer. The central graphic is set inside an oval barrel-head illustration encircled by the brewery designation and bold brand lettering.

Introduced following the repeal of Prohibition in May 1933, Red Fox was established as the flagship line for the company. Positioned as a premium regional beverage available in beer and ale styles, Red Fox was marketed heavily throughout Connecticut and neighboring northeastern states using illustrated trays, tap knobs, and tavern advertising. Following the cessation of operations at the Waterbury plant, the recognizable brand and recipe rights were sold to outside brewing entities, continuing the name in other regional markets for several years.

Largay Brewing Company was established in 1933 by George Largay, who renovated and occupied the former pre-Prohibition Hellmann Brewing Company property in Waterbury's Brooklyn neighborhood. The operation quickly grew throughout the 1930s, eventually acquiring interests in other regional plants, such as the New England Brewing Company in Hartford. Despite its early popularity, the post-World War II brewing landscape brought mounting pressure from large national shipping brewers, prompting Largay to cease Waterbury production in the late 1940s.

Among breweriana collectors, mid-century cone top cans from smaller New England breweries represent an important segment of post-Repeal brewing history. The distinct character design and vibrant lithography make this pictorial label a well-regarded entry within regional can collections.