1950s Beer Can Sets Auction Record, Fetches $111,150 at Morean’s

A rare Chief Oshkosh Crowntainer has made history, setting a new auction record at $111,150 at Morean Auctions. The white Chief Oshkosh is the only known example known to Morean and is in near-perfect condition. The item has become an instant icon for collectors of vintage beer cans, marking a major milestone in the world of brewery advertising.

During the pre-bidding period, Morean Auctions’ founder, Dan Morean, shared the provenance of the Chief Oshkosh on Facebook, revealing its journey through ownership since it was first produced in the early 1950s. The post, which detailed the can’s fascinating history, played a significant role in drawing interest from potential buyers. The winning bidder, a Wisconsin native, expressed excitement about bringing the can back to its home state, mentioning that the Facebook post inspired him to pursue the item.

When asked about the groundbreaking sale, Morean reflected, “It was both thrilling and validating to see the price surpass $100,000. These old beer cans were never meant to be collectibles. They were designed to be disposed of, which makes them incredibly rare. Collectors have had a deep passion for them since the 1970s, and it’s gratifying to see them gain the recognition they truly deserve.”

Morean Auctions stands out as the only licensed auction house specializing in beer cans and alcohol advertising, carving out a niche for itself in the world of rare collectibles. While the company has been a leader in the retail space through Breweriana.com since 1997, it expanded into auctions in 2016, creating an invaluable platform for collectors of vintage beer cans, old signs, trays, bottles, and illuminated brewery advertising pieces.

As interest in vintage beer cans continues to surge, Morean Auctions remains committed to offering exceptional service to collectors. The company’s reputation for quality is demonstrated in every aspect of its operations from client engagement, to professional photography and design, bespoke in house shipping, reduced lead times both to get items into auction and to pay consignors. This has resulted in many of the leading collections in the breweriana hobby selling through Morean Auctions and in recent record-breaking sales, including the Chief Oshkosh Crowntainer.