Can, Beer
Object number2008.127.2
Manufacturer
Aluminum Company of America
(1907 - 1998)
Manufacturer
Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Datec. 1963
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumAluminum; paint
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
DescriptionCylindrical aluminum beer can with pop-top.Dimensions4.875 x 2.625 x 2.625 in. (12.4 x 6.7 x 6.7 cm)MarksScreen-printed around can three times: in white and red and black, "IRON CITY / BEER" with logo in center / "Draft / Beer".
Printed horizontally on seam: "CONTENTS 12 FLUID OUNCES / PITTSBURGH BREWING COMPANY, PITTSBURGH, A 15201".
Embossed on top, "PLEASE DON'T / LITTER" and "DISPOSE OF / PROPERLY".
Stamped/engraved on base: "022 / 3(?)".
Historical NotesIron City beer can with early pop-top. Ermal Cleon Fraze's first version of the pop-top used a lever that pierced a hole in the can but resulted in sharp, sometimes dangerous edges. Later he created the familiar pull-tab version, which had a ring attached at the rivet for pulling, and which would come off completely to be tossed aside. He received U.S. patent No. 3,349,949 for his pull-top can design in 1963 and sold his invention to Alcoa. The Pittsburgh Brewing Company was the first customer to use the design. Maker of Iron City Beer, the company found its sales soaring quickly after introducing the pop-top cans. Other beer and beverage companies became interested and by 1965, nearly 75 percent of U.S. breweries were using them.
On View
On view
Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Pittsburgh Brewing Company
DuBois Brewing Company
