Antique 1920s Squaw Gold Embossed Can Label 3, Centerville, MD, Native American!

Antique 1920s Squaw Cut Green Stringless Beans Can Label made by the Centerville Canning Co. out of Centerville, Maryland. 

11" x 4 1/4" ~ Little to no wear. The video is of a different variant, but it is exactly the same, except for the name of the vegetable.

The Centerville Canning Company operated out of Centerville, Maryland, during the early to mid-20th century, specializing in packing and preserving local produce—most notably peas—under the trademarked Squaw Brand. Canning facilities like this were crucial for extending the shelf life of seasonal crops, allowing regional farmers to transport perishable goods by rail to urban markets.

The Squaw Brand Choice Sifted Peas can label prominently featured a Native American woman carrying an infant, leveraging early-20th-century advertising tropes that linked Indigenous imagery with “fresh from the land” authenticity.

Labels were printed lithographically with gold trim and vivid color palettes, reflecting the era’s decorative style and the canning industry’s reliance on eye-catching graphics to stand out at retail stalls. Collectors prize these items for their graphic quality and as tangible links to Maryland’s agricultural past. Many crate labels and can labels survived as “warehouse finds,” often remaining unused in mint condition. A large cache of unused labels was discovered in old Centerville storage, suggesting the company printed labels in bulk ahead of seasonal canning runs; leftover stock became a boon for modern collectors.

Once a common sight, these Crate Labels have now become treasured relics of a bygone era. Their scarcity, a testament to their historical significance, adds to their allure. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation, which involves a stone or metal plate for design, is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that went into their making. This process remains unparalleled, adding to the allure of these labels. The soaring demand for these labels, with museums and art institutions dedicating galleries to them, underscores their growing importance in the art and collectibles market. This makes them a must-have for any serious collector. The rarity of these labels adds a sense of urgency and importance to your purchase. 

Picture this remarkable vintage advertising, a unique piece of history, adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being confined to a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and unparalleled elegance to any room in your home, elevating the aesthetic and sophistication of your living space.