Obscure .22 revolver

[Uncle Alvah]

No idea what this is, there are no visible markings.

.22 caliber, trigger folds flat against frame, drops free from gravity when the gun is pointed.

Double action, spurless hammer.

Loads thru simple right side gate.

 

[Old Shooter]

Looks like a prototype for the Smith & Wesson model 642.

Not many were made like that and it should be a collectors item.

Then again, I could be wrong.

 

[Ron James]

These were made in large numbers by the Spanish, French and of course the Belgians. The U.S. even got into the " baby gun " business with the Kolb Baby Hammerless and the Iver Johnson Petite, there was others but those were the well known U.S. makers. To start your research ( hey, I'm not going to do all your work, ), research Galand- Velo Dog, These small revolvers were made in the tens of thousands, some so small they would fit in your watch pocket of your Blue Jeans. Most were chambered in 5.5 Velo Dog, .22 rim fire and even .25 ACP. The larger guns were also chambered in larger calibers such as 32 and 320 but they are not true " Velo Dog " type guns. Unless there is something very usual or outstanding about the firearm, the value is not overly high. Looking at the pictures, I betcha that on the back of the cylinder you will find Belgium proof marks. BTW, the trigger is broken, it is only supposed to present itself when the hammer is cocked, it is not supposed to flop around freely.

 

[Sunray]

"...should be a collectors item..." Not in that condition. It's likely one of a bazillion 19th Century pocket revolvers. Could have been made in Europe. Any markings under the grips?

 

[Uncle Alvah]

I appreciate the insight, thanks!

is only supposed to present itself when the hammer is cocked,

I don't have the gun in front of me, but I don't recall there being enough of a hammer to cock manually, I'll have to check if that is indeed the case, or if it is broken.

 

[CornCod]

The 'dog" in Velo-dog referred to the problem that early 20th Century bicyclists had with dog attacks in rural areas.

 

[kenno]

My dad brought home a dozen from Spain, they were still in production as wall hangers for men's dens (Man Cave) in the 1970's. The ones I kept would chamber various rounds like 38 spl and 32-20 but were obviously never ment to be fired.
This would make a perfect subject for a Steam Punk Build!

 

[Jim K]

The length of the cylinder indicates that the OP's revolver is a true Velodog revolver, chambered for 5.6mm Velodog, a long CENTER FIRE .22 caliber cartridge. The term is a combination of "velocipede", an old word for bicycle, and dog. As CornCod says, they were intended for use by bicyclists to protect themselves from attacks by dogs.

Revolvers of the general type were made in other calibers, but most have short cylinders and/or are in other calibers and so are not true Velodog revolvers.

The trigger should not just flop down; there should be a small spring to hold the trigger in the upward position until it is pulled down. Value is nominal, around $100-150 in average condition, though they bring more in top condition. The ammunition is not available except as collectables.

Jim

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

If you can find brass for it, I've got a book with at least 1 load for it!

 

[Mp7]

http://www.blogg.org/blog-17737-date-2008-09-27-billet-revolver_velodog_hammerless-870604.html

found its brother

do a google pic search and u ll see literally hundreds ...
Brandwise it seems no one would actually admit being responsible
for them