Best Of The West Live Auction (November 13, 2026 5:30 PM PT)

Circa 1885–1887, applied top, quart. There are two early Western beers bearing the Postel name: the C.D. Postel with the sheaf of wheat and this A. & R. Postel featuring the embossed bear. Both are difficult to acquire, but the A. & R. is the rarer of the two and is highly coveted for its outstanding embossing pattern featuring a large bear. This example is a beautiful citron yellow, possibly the only known early Western beer in this color. Found in the bay near Port Chicago, California, this is an extremely rare bottle that would stand out in any collection of early Western beers.

Description & Condition: Bright citron yellow. Substantial exterior wear, likely from prolonged exposure in a watery environment such as San Francisco Bay. Minor 1/8" flake to the edge of the base and a 1/8" partially radiating potstone in the side shoulder. Professionally cleaned.

Min. Bid $5,000 - Est. $10,000–$20,000