Schlitz Beer Flat Top Can

The Historic Schlitz Flat Top Can

Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stood as one of the preeminent giants of American brewing, and its flagship flat top can represents a landmark in twentieth-century breweriana. Schlitz widely promoted the beverage under its famous slogan, "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous," establishing the brand across national distribution networks.

The classic graphic presentation of the Schlitz flat top incorporates the brewery's signature belted globe emblem framed by rich metallic gold, deep red, and white lithography. Throughout its production, Jos. Schlitz collaborated with major container manufacturers, including the American Can Company and the Continental Can Company, to supply cans for its high-volume packaging lines.

For breweriana collectors, the Schlitz flat top offers a detailed look into the evolution of mid-century can manufacturing. Multiple variations exist across different manufacturing runs. Early versions feature side panels displaying opening instructions, while others bear mandatory Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) statutory statements. Later runs omitted the tax text, showcasing modified metallic lacquers, updated brewery location typography, and refreshed side panel text.

During the Second World War, when domestic canned beer was restricted to conserve metal for the war effort, Schlitz flat top cans were produced in a matte olive drab finish exclusively for distribution to armed forces stationed overseas. Schlitz also helped pioneer larger container sizes, introducing flat top cans in extended volume formats alongside testing aluminum soft tops as the industry prepared for self-opening designs. Today, the Schlitz flat top remains an essential cornerstone in American breweriana history.