Tornberg's Original Old German Style Lager Beer Beer Cone Top Can

Tornberg's Old German Lager: El Rey Brewery

This low-profile cone top beer can showcases Tornberg's Original Old German Style Lager Beer, brewed by the El Rey Brewing Company of San Francisco, CA. The El Rey Brewery, located on outer Mission Street, was known for its colorful array of cone-top cans during the 1930s. Along with its own El Rey Beer brand, it produced cans for other labels, including various versions of Tornberg's Old German and other distinctive brews.

The Tornberg's Old German Lager can itself comes in at least two variations; one featuring the word 'Brand' and the other 'Style' above the words 'Lager Beer'. The name 'Tornberg' might refer to a pre-Prohibition brewmaster who worked in several San Francisco breweries. El Rey Brewing changed its name to Albion in 1938 and then to Eagle in 1941, ultimately closing in 1942. This makes this can a sought-after piece of brewing history. The can's design and the brewery's relatively short lifespan contribute to its collectibility. The brewery's output, even for a smaller operation, was substantial, yet examples of cans like this one are scarce, which illustrates the difficulties of preserving items across decades.