Schaefer America's Oldest Lager Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schaefer Lehigh Valley Tab Top

The F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company, established in 1842 by German immigrant brothers Frederick and Maximilian Schaefer, holds an esteemed place in brewing history for popularizing lager beer in the United States. This 12 oz tab top can prominently features the historic banner "America's Oldest Lager Beer" alongside the brewery's enduring trademark phrase, "Our Hand Has Never Lost Its Skill".

The Lehigh Valley mandatory on this can marks a major era of operational expansion and modernization for the brewery. Facing intense pressure from emerging national brewing conglomerates, Schaefer constructed a large, modern production facility in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, situated in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown. Upon opening, the Lehigh Valley plant became the primary packaging and brewing hub for the company's northeastern distribution.

For breweriana collectors, cans bearing the Lehigh Valley designation represent the pivotal era when Schaefer transitioned production from its historic urban breweries, including its famous Brooklyn plant, to large-scale regional operations. The label showcases the classic red and white color scheme, the iconic script logo, and detailed brewing ingredient declarations. Known variations exist across different manufacturing runs, featuring slight adjustments in seam construction, metal stock, and mandatory text layouts.