In 1895, two Frenchmen changed the automobile forever. This mug remembers them. This ceramic beer stein commemorates Panhard et Levassor's invention of the first modern transmission in 1895 — one of the foundational moments in automotive history. The decal features the pioneering vehicle, rich in detail and perfectly suited for an old car enthusiast's bar or collection. A note on authenticity: this mug is marked "USA" on the bottom 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 have seen this exact mug with a McCoy mark, and McCoy is well known for making commemorative steins — but we want to be transparent. This may or may not be authentic McCoy Pottery. Collectors can review the photos and make their own determination. If it turns out to be the real thing, you got a great deal. Either way, it's a handsome mug in excellent condition. Panhard et Levassor was founded in 1887 in Paris by René Panhard and Émile Levassor — among the first motor vehicle manufacturers in the world. Credited with creating the first modern transmission, their legacy was cut short when Levassor was injured during the Paris–Marseille–Paris race and died in Paris a year later. The company went through many mergers over the decades; in 2018 Renault, ACMAT, and Panhard merged to form Arquus, based in Versailles. Details:
Maker: Marked "USA" (possibly McCoy Pottery) Era: 1950s–1970s (estimated) Subject: Panhard et Levassor, First Modern Transmission, 1895 Material: Ceramic Height: 6.0 inches tall Diameter: 3.25 inches (top); 3.75 inches (bottom) Condition: Vintage, excellent. No chips, cracks, or stains. Please review all photos carefully — all sales final on vintage items.
