Presentation ornament; Metro de Paris pottery cockerel presented to London Transport, 1954

Since around 1935, there have been strong sporting links between London Transport (L.T.) and the Paris R.A.T.P. (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), the Parisian equivalent of L.T. Both groups competed in various events including rugby, football, table tennis and rifle shooting. The sporting rivalry continues: a rugby competition is held every two years, the venue alternating between London and Paris. This large pottery cockerel is one of a series of presentations given to London Transport by the Métro de Paris. The cockerel, made by French post-impressionist artist Lucien Neuquelman, represents of the City of Paris.