Schaefer Beer 12 Oz Zip Top Can

1960s Schaefer World's Fair Can

Produced during the mid-1960s, this straight steel zip top can represents a promotional release connected to the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, designated by fair-related notation printed beside the seam. The body features a distinctive repeating medallion pattern across a crisp white backdrop, showcasing circular crests alongside the red Schaefer cartouche over golden barley stalks. These medallions highlight several of the company's defining claims, including "America's Oldest Lager Beer," "Our hand has never lost its skill," "Established in the United States 1842," and "A Family Tradition for Two Centuries." The bottom rim identifies production at the company's Albany, New York facility.

Schaefer was introduced in New York City in 1842, establishing itself as a pioneer in brewing German-style lager in America. Over the decades, the brand built a massive regional following across the East Coast through aggressive, memorable advertising campaigns. In addition to touting its 1842 heritage and craftsmanship, Schaefer later achieved widespread fame with its iconic mid-century slogan and jingle, "Schaefer is the one beer to have when you're having more than one." Although regional market pressures eventually diminished its dominance, the brand endured for decades as a fixture of Northeast working-class culture.

The F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company was founded by immigrant brothers Frederick and Maximilian Schaefer. Beginning as a small Manhattan operation, it steadily expanded into one of the largest brewing enterprises in the United States. During Prohibition, the firm survived by manufacturing near-beer and commercial ice. Following Repeal, Schaefer modernized and acquired outside facilities to meet booming demand, including purchasing Albany's historic Beverwyck brewery in 1950. As national brewing conglomerates expanded in the 1970s, Schaefer struggled to compete, culminating in the sale of the business to Stroh Brewery Company in 1981, after which the brand portfolio eventually passed to Pabst.

Among breweriana enthusiasts, this can holds strong crossover appeal. It bridges mid-century zip-top can collecting with World's Fair memorabilia, representing both a major world exposition and one of New York's defining historic brewing dynasties.