Scheidt's Valley Forge Bock Flat Top Can

Valley Forge Bock Flat Top History

The Scheidt's Valley Forge Bock flat top represents a notable piece of regional breweriana from the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company of Norristown, Pennsylvania. While bock beers were traditionally brewed during the winter months for release in the spring, many American breweries historically limited their seasonal bocks to draft kegs or glass bottles. Adam Scheidt stood out among regional Pennsylvania brewers by regularly packaging their seasonal bock directly into flat top cans.

The can carries the recognizable Valley Forge branding, a moniker drawn from the historic Revolutionary War encampment located near Norristown. Established in the late nineteenth century along Stony Creek, the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company grew into one of southeastern Pennsylvania's major independent brewing operations, successfully rivaling large breweries in nearby Philadelphia. Alongside other flagship offerings like Ram's Head Ale and standard Valley Forge Beer, the bock release maintained a strong following across the Mid-Atlantic.

For collectors, this flat top is an important artifact of Pennsylvania's canning heritage. Multiple variations are recognized in the hobby, exhibiting differences in can manufacturer marks, mandatory labeling statements, and state-specific tax stamp imprints.