Beer Mug: Panhard et Levassor 1895, First Modern Transmission, McCoy Style Pottery, USA, 1950s

Marked "USA" on the base rather than the standard "McCoy USA" stamp, this ceramic beer stein commemorates Panhard et Levassor's invention of the first modern transmission in 1895 — one of automotive history's foundational moments. Whether or not it's authentic McCoy Pottery, it's a handsome mug either way.

• Maker: Marked "USA" (possibly McCoy Pottery — see authenticity note below)
• Materials: Ceramic
• Dimensions: 6.0" tall; 3.25" diameter (top), 3.75" diameter (bottom)
• Origin: USA (marked "USA"; exact manufacturer uncertain)
• Era: 1950s–1970s (estimated)
• Condition: Vintage — used, excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or stains. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

This substantial ceramic stein carries crisp, raised lettering commemorating the achievement, with the tool-applied "USA" mark on the base adding an interesting wrinkle for collectors examining its origins.

It's a natural fit for the old car enthusiast, automobilia collector, or anyone drawn to the earliest chapters of automotive history.

A note on authenticity: this mug is marked "USA" rather than the typical "McCoy USA" stamp, and the mark appears to have been applied with a tool rather than hand-carved as is standard on authentic McCoy pieces. We've seen this exact mug carrying a genuine McCoy mark elsewhere, and McCoy is well known for producing commemorative steins like this one — but we want to be transparent that this particular piece may or may not be authentic McCoy Pottery. Collectors are welcome to review the photos and draw their own conclusions; if it turns out to be the real thing, you've got a great deal. Panhard et Levassor itself was founded in 1887 in Paris by René Panhard and Émile Levassor, among the first motor vehicle manufacturers in the world and credited with creating the first modern transmission. The company's promise was cut short when Levassor was injured during the Paris–Marseille–Paris race and died in Paris a year later; decades of mergers followed, culminating in 2018 when Renault, ACMAT, and Panhard combined to form Arquus, based in Versailles.

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