Yes it is and yes it does predate Benz.
More than double what it was expected to go for.
Quite the auction... Rim.
If yer into these type of autos, you may like this from a local collector friend of mine in Michigan.
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x265/penth2o123/03%20OTHER%20PEOPLES%20SHIT/1898%20Voiturette/?albumview=slideshow