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The book won’t be available until October 30th 2026. This listing is intended for advertising
The cost per book is $100
I will be set up at the upcoming 49er Best of the West Antique Bottle & Collectibles show in Auburn California November 13th & 14th 2026
BUFFALO BREWING COMPANY
THROUGH THE HORSESHOE
Sacramento, California | 1888–1949
Volume I | First Edition | 2026
By Daniel Lopez
NEARLY EIGHT YEARS IN THE MAKING!
Step back into California’s golden age of brewing and discover the remarkable history of Sacramento’s Buffalo Brewing Company!
This beautifully illustrated hardcover book represents nearly EIGHT YEARS of independent historical research, collecting, writing, and dedication to preserving a fascinating chapter of California’s brewing history.
Beginning in late 2018, author and longtime antique bottle collector Daniel Lopez embarked on a journey to uncover the forgotten stories, people, advertising, and surviving artifacts associated with Buffalo Brewing Company.
What began as a passion for antique bottle digging eventually grew into an extensive historical project, bringing together rare photographs, newspaper archives, original brewery advertisements, historical documents, private collections, and firsthand discoveries.
The result is BUFFALO BREWING COMPANY: THROUGH THE HORSESHOE, a historical reference for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in California’s brewing heritage.
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE HORSESHOE
Founded in Sacramento in 1888, Buffalo Brewing Company became a prominent name in California’s brewing industry.
Its distinctive buffalo and horseshoe trademark appeared on bottles, advertisements, and promotional materials that remain sought after by collectors today.
This book explores the brewery’s rise, its influence throughout California and beyond, the individuals responsible for its success, and the challenges that ultimately shaped its history through 1949.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
THE FOUNDING OF BUFFALO BREWING
Discover Sacramento during the late 1800s, the brewery’s beginnings, and the people who helped establish this historic enterprise.
RARE BREWERIANA & ANTIQUE BOTTLES
Explore surviving Buffalo Brewing artifacts, including embossed beer bottles, advertising memorabilia, and other historical collectibles.
VINTAGE ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS
Discover how Buffalo Brewing promoted its products through newspaper advertisements, printed materials, promotional campaigns, and distinctive branding.
THE BREWERY’S REACH
Learn about the company’s distribution networks, agents, and markets extending beyond Sacramento, including evidence of its international advertising presence.
COMMUNITY, BASEBALL & LOCAL HISTORY
Explore the brewery’s involvement in Sacramento’s community, sporting events, contests, and promotional activities.
PROHIBITION & REINVENTION
Follow the challenges of Prohibition, changing business conditions, and the brewery’s attempts to adapt to a transforming industry.
THE HISTORIC BREWERY BUILDING
Discover the architecture, history, and legacy of the impressive Sacramento brewery complex.
THE HEILBRON FAMILY LEGACY
Learn about the family and individuals associated with Buffalo Brewing, including the Heilbron family’s important place in the company’s history.
FROM ANTIQUE BOTTLE DIGGING TO AUTHORSHIP
One of the most personal chapters, titled “The Bug,” tells the story of a bottle-digging adventure that helped inspire this entire project.
After hours of digging through an old refuse site, the discovery of early Buffalo Brewing bottles sparked a fascination that would develop into years of historical investigation.
Those bottles were more than discarded glass. They represented a forgotten piece of California history waiting to be rediscovered.
This book connects the artifacts collectors treasure today with the real people and businesses responsible for producing them more than a century ago.
A LABOR OF PASSION — 2018 TO 2026
This publication was not assembled overnight.
For nearly eight years, countless hours were devoted to examining historical newspapers, researching archival records, studying brewery advertisements, documenting surviving artifacts, and consulting knowledgeable collectors and historians.
The author personally researched, wrote, designed, and assembled this publication.
The book also features a special dedication to Hank Heilbron, whose friendship and family connection to Buffalo Brewing Company added tremendous meaning to this historical undertaking.
BOOK DETAILS
Title: Buffalo Brewing Company: Through the Horseshoe
Author: Daniel Lopez
Edition: First Edition, 2026
Volume: I
Format: Hardcover
Pages: Approximately 156
Historical Coverage: 1888–1949
Research Period: 2018–2026
Initial Printing: 100 Copies
Contents: Historical photographs, advertising, antique bottles, breweriana, company history, appendices, and reference material.
LIMITED INITIAL PRINTING — 100 COPIES!
The first production run consists of just 100 hardcover copies.
This independently published historical work is an excellent addition to collections specializing in:
- Antique beer bottles and Western glass
- California and Sacramento history
- Brewery advertising and breweriana
- Pre-Prohibition brewing history
- Historic American breweries
- Rare and unusual brewery memorabilia
Whether you’re a seasoned bottle collector, breweriana enthusiast, historian, or simply someone who appreciates California history, this book offers a fascinating look into a bygone era.
EXPECTED ARRIVAL & SHIPPING
Expected arrival from printer: Approximately October 20, 2026.
The books are currently in production. I anticipate having them in hand around October 20, subject to printing and shipping schedules.
Orders will begin shipping after the books have arrived and have been inspected and carefully packaged. A confirmed shipping date will be provided when available.
RESERVATIONS & INQUIRIES
Interested in reserving or purchasing a copy?
Please contact me through messaging regarding availability and orders.
PLEASE SEE THE LAST PHOTO!
The final photograph contains additional contact information for collectors, historians, and individuals who may have previously undocumented Buffalo Brewing artifacts, photographs, or historical information to share.
OWN A PIECE OF CALIFORNIA BREWING HISTORY!
Nearly eight years of research. More than a century of history. One remarkable Sacramento brewery.
From bottles buried beneath the earth to the advertising that carried its name across distant markets, Through the Horseshoe brings the history of Buffalo Brewing Company back to life.
STEP THROUGH THE HORSESHOE AND DISCOVER THE STORY!
Thank you for supporting independent historical research and the preservation of California’s brewing heritage.
Daniel Lopez
Author, Researcher & Antique Bottle Collector
You will receive a 2.5 inch Buffalo brewing sticker with purchase.
