Schmidt's Beer Flat Top Can

E & B Schmidt's Beer Flat Top

The Schmidt's Beer flat top can produced by the E & B Brewing Company of Detroit, Michigan, represents a notable chapter in the post-war brewing landscape of the Great Lakes region. Originally associated with Detroit's Schmidt Brewing Company, the Schmidt's brand transitioned to the E & B Brewing Company (formerly Ekhardt & Becker) as local operations consolidated established Midwestern labels.

Design and Manufacturing Highlights

Packaged in standard twelve-ounce steel containers, this flat top showcases classic mid-century commercial lithography. Prominent label designs feature bold "Schmidt's" script alongside promotional slogans such as "The Natural Brew" or "Premium Quality Beer". The cans were manufactured by major metal packaging producers, including the American Can Company and Continental Can Company, which stamped their respective plant codes near the seam or lower rim.

Regional Distribution and Variations

Operating out of Detroit's historic brewing district, E & B distributed Schmidt's throughout Michigan and into surrounding Midwestern states. Due to this interstate distribution, cans are frequently found bearing state tax stamps embossed or printed on the top lid, particularly for the Ohio market.

For breweriana collectors, the E & B Schmidt's flat top remains a classic artifact of Michigan brewing history. Known variations exist across different manufacturing runs, distinguished by shifting can company plant markings, slight alterations to the background graphic bands, and minor revisions to the mandatory legal text.