Tudor Bock Flat Top Can

Mid-Century Tudor Bock from Trenton

Manufactured during the late 1950s, this twelve-ounce steel flat top can features the iconic "Keglined" trademark of the American Can Company. The design is centered around a prominent heraldic shield surmounted by an open crown, framing a detailed, forward-facing goat head—the traditional emblem of bock brewing. Mandatory text printed along the side identifies the production and packaging by the Metropolis Brewery of N.J., Inc. in Trenton, New Jersey.

The Tudor name served as a major mid-century private-label brand, widely distributed through supermarket chains such as the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P). Positioned as an accessible, budget-conscious alternative to major national labels, the brand spanned multiple styles, including pale lagers and cream ales. The bock edition was brewed and packaged in seasonal batches for early spring release, adopting classic Old World brewing iconography to catch the eye of shoppers in regional grocery aisles. As grocery distribution networks shifted and contract-packaging arrangements evolved, the Tudor brand eventually phased out following industry consolidations.

The brewery behind this can operated out of an established industrial facility at Lalor and Lamberton Streets in Trenton. The site held a long brewing heritage, operating as the Peoples Brewing Company before reopening as the Metropolis Brewery of New Jersey in 1950. During the 1950s and 1960s, Metropolis carved out a resilient niche by producing contract and house brands for regional retailers while finding nationwide success with specialty beverages like Champale. Amid stiff competition from massive national brewing conglomerates, Metropolis ended its brewing operations in Trenton in 1967.

Within breweriana collecting, mid-century flat top bock cans remain highly favored due to their seasonal nature. Because bock beers were packaged in limited seasonal runs compared to everyday flagship beers, surviving cans from regional East Coast producers are prized additions to graphic and thematic collections.