Schmidt's Old Style Bock Crowntainer

Schmidt's Bock Crowntainer History

Produced by C. Schmidt & Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Schmidt's Old Style Bock Crowntainer stands as a notable example of regional breweriana from the Delaware Valley. Founded in 1860 by Christian Schmidt, the brewery grew into one of the largest brewing operations in the eastern United States, renowned for its strong local distribution and seasonal specialty releases.

Graphic Design

The can showcases a sleek silver finish highlighted by a vibrant red oval cartouche. The label boldly presents the brewery name alongside "Old Style Bock" branding, accompanied by traditional heraldic accents and bock motifs. The bold contrast between the bright red centerpiece and the metallic body gave the container a clean, recognizable aesthetic on retail displays.

Local Manufacturing Connection

A significant historical detail of this can lies in the shared geography between the brewer and the can manufacturer. Both C. Schmidt & Sons and Crown Cork & Seal—the producer of the Crowntainer design—were anchored in Philadelphia. Schmidt’s was one of the key regional breweries to embrace the format, applying it across its core beers as well as seasonal offerings like this bock.

Label Variations

Within breweriana collecting circles, variations of this label are known to exist. These differences are primarily seen in the fine print, including regulatory phrasing, Internal Revenue Tax Paid statements, and trademark placement adjustments across different press runs. Because bock was brewed as a limited seasonal product rather than an everyday staple, this container saw shorter canning runs compared to standard year-round lagers, making it a sought-after staple among Pennsylvania collectors.