7 Shocking Secrets Of The Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab: Value, Rarity, And Its Infamous History

The Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab is more than just a piece of vintage packaging; it is a legendary relic from the "Golden Age" of beer can collecting, notorious for its design and a staple in the world of Breweriana. As of late 2024, this item—which exists both as a can top and a distinctive bottle cap—continues to fascinate collectors, not for its monetary value alone, but for its historical significance as one of the most infamously dangerous pull tabs ever produced. This deep dive will uncover the true collector value, the specific variations to hunt for, and the razor-sharp history behind the iconic "Big Mouth" design.

The history of Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor is intertwined with the evolution of American brewing, tracing its roots back to 1962 when it was first introduced by Sterling Brewers Inc. of Evansville, Indiana. The pull tab version of the can and the unique "grenade" bottle cap represent a brief, yet unforgettable, era of packaging innovation that ultimately led to countless minor injuries, cementing its place in pop culture and collector lore.

The Collector's Profile: What is a "Big Mouth" Pull Tab?

The term "Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab" actually refers to two distinct items sought after by breweriana enthusiasts: the pull-tab beer can and the pull-tab bottle cap. Understanding the difference is crucial for any collector.

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• The Big Mouth Bottle Cap: This is arguably the more iconic and unique item. Mickey's is famous for its squat, green, waffle-patterned, wide-mouthed bottle, often called the "grenade" or "beehive" bottle. The early versions of this bottle featured a pull-tab cap, which was essentially a miniature version of the can's pull tab, designed for easy, no-opener access. The cap's wide diameter is what gave the bottle its "Big Mouth" nickname.
• The Pull Tab Can: Like many other brands of the 1960s, Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor was also packaged in steel or aluminum cans featuring the classic, detachable pull tab (sometimes called a Lift Tab). The rarest versions of these cans are the early ones produced by the original Sterling Brewers before the brand changed hands multiple times.

Key Entities and Variations for Collectors

The value of your item hinges entirely on its specific variation, condition, and the brewery of origin. The most desirable versions predate the 1970s.

• Sterling Brewers Inc. (1962-1972): Items from the original Evansville, Indiana brewery are the most coveted. Look for the Sterling Brewers name printed on the can or bottle label.
• USBC II 93-37: This is the official United States Beer Can (USBC) number for one of the most sought-after Mickey's Lift Tab/Pull Tab steel cans from the mid-1960s. A clean example of this specific can variation is highly prized.
• The "Full" Factor: For bottles, a Full ACL (Applied Color Label) Big Mouth bottle with the original pull-tab cap still sealed is the ultimate find. Full cans, while rarer due to safety concerns and leakage, also command the highest prices in the Breweriana market.
• The Transition: The shift from the original, fully detachable pull tab to the safer, non-detachable Stay-Tab (introduced in the early 1970s) marks a critical date for collectors. Only the pre-Stay-Tab versions are considered true "Mickey's Pull Tabs."

What is the Current Value of a Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab in 2024?

Unlike ultra-rare Cone Top or pre-war Flat Top beer cans that can fetch thousands of dollars, the Mickey's Pull Tab falls into the mid-range of the Pull Tab Era collectibles. Its value is driven primarily by nostalgia and the item's condition, or Grade, which is typically rated on a 1 to 5 scale by the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA).

Mickey's Pull Tab Price Guide (Late 2024 Estimates)

The following values are based on recent auction results and sales across collector marketplaces, assuming a Grade 1 to 2 (excellent to near-mint) condition:

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• Common Empty Pull Tab Can (Post-1972 Breweries): $5 to $15
• Vintage 16oz. Pull Tab Can (Empty, Good Condition): $15 to $30
• First Generation "Big Mouth" Bottle (Empty, No Cap): $10 to $25
• First Generation "Big Mouth" Bottle (Full, ACL Label, Sealed Pull-Tab Cap): $20 to $50
• Rare Sterling Brewers USBC II 93-37 Pull Tab Can (Grade 1-): $40 to $80+
• Loose Big Mouth Pull-Tab Cap: $2 to $5 (Often sold in bulk lots)

The general market for common Pull Tabs from the 1960s and 1970s is typically $5 to $50. The Mickey's Big Mouth version is firmly in the middle to upper end of this range due to its unique packaging and cultural notoriety. A true "unicorn" variation—such as a rare promotional can or a misprint—could potentially exceed these estimates, but such items are exceedingly rare.

The Infamous History of the "Laceration-Guaranteed" Pull Tab

The most enduring legacy of the Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab is its reputation for being a dangerously sharp piece of packaging. The original pull tabs, which required the consumer to fully detach a metal ring and discard it, became a public health and environmental hazard.

The Pull Tab Era (roughly 1962 to 1975) is remembered by veterans of the NABA (National Association Breweriana Advertising) as a time of convenience and danger. The metal tab, often referred to by drinkers as a "guaranteed laceration" or "guaranteed to slice open at least one person's finger", was a common sight in emergency rooms and on beaches.

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For Mickey's, the Big Mouth bottle cap was particularly problematic. While the wide mouth was designed to allow a smooth, "chug-friendly" flow, the sharp edges of the detached pull-tab cap were easily dropped and forgotten, leading to the brand’s enduring, if slightly morbid, folklore. This danger was a major catalyst for the eventual shift to the Stay-Tab design, where the opening mechanism remained attached to the can.

Tips for Collecting Vintage Malt Liquor Memorabilia

If you are looking to build a collection around Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor or other vintage Malt Liquor brands like Big Cat or St. Ides, focus on these key collecting principles:

1. Prioritize Condition (Grade): A Grade 1 or 1+ can is worth significantly more than a Grade 3. Look for cans with minimal rust, no dents, and bright, unfaded colors.
2. Focus on Pre-1975 Packaging: The true collector value lies in the Pull Tab and Lift Tab versions before the industry-wide switch to the safer Stay-Tab.
3. Verify the Brewery: For Mickey's, items from the original Sterling Brewers Inc. are the most valuable. Subsequent brewers like Pabst Brewing Company are generally less sought-after for the early vintage items.
4. Look for Full, Sealed Items: A complete, sealed, and full Big Mouth bottle with the original pull-tab cap is a centerpiece in any Breweriana collection and will hold its value better than empty, bottom-opened cans.

In conclusion, the Mickey's Big Mouth Pull Tab is a fascinating, sharp-edged slice of American history. While it won't make you a millionaire, finding a rare, early version—especially the USBC II 93-37 can or a sealed Sterling Brewers bottle—is a significant and rewarding addition to any serious breweriana collection in 2024.