Schaefer Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schaefer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Produced for the F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company of New York, NY, this 12-ounce container represents one of the most prominent regional brewing giants of the East Coast. Schaefer, founded in 1842 by German immigrant brothers Maximilian and Frederick Schaefer, long promoted itself as the maker of "America's Oldest Lager Beer," an identity proudly displayed on its packaging.

During the era when this can circulated, Schaefer was backed by one of the most memorable marketing campaigns in American advertising history, centered around the famous jingle, "Schaefer is the one beer to have when you're having more than one." The brand also had a major cultural footprint through sports sponsorships and major public exhibitions, including pavilions at New York World's Fairs.

Design and Collector Details

The can features Schaefer’s classic red, white, and gold color palette, anchored by the traditional gothic-style script and decorative heraldic crest. The circular medallion motif and clean metallic paneling made the container instantly recognizable on store shelves and at sporting venues across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

For breweriana enthusiasts, this label is known for multiple production variations. These differences typically include varying mandatory city listings—such as cans noting New York, Brooklyn, or Albany facilities—as well as slight modifications in can manufacturer marks, seam layouts, and metallic paint shades. Because Schaefer was one of the highest-selling beers in the country during this period, this can remains a foundational staple for vintage beer can collections.