Finding old Beer Collectibles & Memorabilia

While old beer cans are probably the most sought after pieces in this collectors niche, there are many other related items that people seek.

Old can openers with beer brand names stamped on them, ashtrays, serving trays, pens, tap handle and knobs, advertisement signs, clocks, menu boards, calendars, shirts, hats, toys and Zippo lighters are just some of the many brew-mania items people collect.

Finding this memorabilia is not difficult, but often finding it in good condition or locating specific pieces can be challenging! If you are rather new to can collecting, you'll find cans at almost any flea market across the nation. The chances of finding any of real value is slim, but if you are just starting a collection or going to be at the flea market anyways, it's well worth it to check out those boxes of old beer cans!

Yard & Garage sales often have boxes or "lots" of old beer cans for sale

Along the same line are garage sales, yard sales and estate sales or auctions. Often at these places you can find neon signs, beer clocks or wooden crates in excellent condition, especially at the estate sales. I like to stay away from the auctions and stick to sales where you can just walk in, look around and buy. Auctions generally take too long for all you are going to get a chance to bid on. However, if you really know what you want and the piece is very hard to find and being offered, then by all means go for it!

These beer signs & other memorabilia were found in the basement of an estate sale.

Be sure to check out everything real good at these sales. Search every room. Often in the kitchen you can find old beer openers, church-keys, serving trays or ashtrays mixed amongst the everyday household bowls and silverware! And don't forget the basement or garage if there's stuff down there. This is generally where the men hang out and did their drinking!

If you are an outdoors-man and in the woods often, don't neglect to check out any old abandoned out buildings, garages, houses and cars. Many a cone top or flat top beer can has been found hiding in these places in very good condition as they were concealed from the elements of weathering.

Abandoned farms can yield some nice vintage beer cans!

Search the trunk of old cars and under the seats. In the building, look in odd places like behind and around the furnace, fireplace or work areas in basements. Check any ledges above doorways, I-beams or cubby holes. Guys would often stash a can somewhere like this and forget about it.

Abandoned junk cars can be hiding some great cone tops or flat tops, often in fantastic condition!

Online auctions as well as online stores are another great way to find exactly what you are looking for. There are several web stores exclusively devoted to collectible beer cans and beer memorabilia. Most of these are rather expensive as they tend to supply either very rare brands or memorabilia that is in excellent high grade condition. A great way to enhance your collection or display if you are past the "starting out" point.


However, the online auctions can yield some pretty nice collectibles and the fact you can search is terrific for finding exactly what you are looking for. You'll have more variety to choose from and because of the bidding you could end up with an incredible bargain!

Often these auction sites have many listings for "lots" of cans, a great way to get a jump-start on a beer can collection if you are just starting out. You'll also find all the other beer collectibles like toys, trays, pens, lighters etc in one place and if you win the auction, it is delivered right to your mailbox!