Schlitz Lager Beer Cone Top Can

Schlitz Lager Cone Top History

The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stood at the forefront of packaging innovation as an early adopter of Continental Can Company's "Cap-Sealed" container for its flagship lager. Because this container could run along standard bottling lines with minimal equipment modification, it served as a key vehicle in modernizing nationwide beer distribution.

Design and Lithography

The graphic presentation prominently featured the brewery's iconic belted-globe trademark alongside the enduring slogan, "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous." Early promotional releases incorporated "Sunshine Vitamin D" text across the face of the label, reflecting health-centric marketing trends of the era.

Manufacturing and Structural Features

Early production models featured a Flat Bottom Inverted Rib (FBIR) construction. This engineering design utilized inverted ribs stamped into the upper cone section paired with a flat bottom lid, before manufacturing transitions adopted concave bases to better withstand internal pressure and high-speed filling.

Notable Variations

Collectors document multiple variations of this cone top across its history. Known differences include mandatory Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) markings, differing alcohol content statements, and minor revisions to brewery address text. In addition to commercial releases finished in metallic copper, red, and deep brown palettes, specialized non-reflective olive drab versions were produced for military distribution during wartime.