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The Velo-dog was a generic term for a type of small, cheap pocket revolver, which became fashionable in the late nineteenth century and was produced in Belgium. The name was a combination of the term “velocipede” (the then current name for a bicycle) and “dog” Cyclists have been troubled by fierce dogs and these little revolvers were used to deter them. The 5.5 mm and 6.35 mm rimfire rounds were specially developed for these revolvers. The Velo-dog revolver was designed by the Frenchman Charles Francois Galand (Liege Belgium and Paris, France) and it was copied by many manufacturers in England and the Continent. The weapon has a double action only, Schmidt/ Galand mechanism. The hammer is concealed not to snatch on clothes and it also had a safety catch and a folding trigger. It is classified as an antique in the USA. (Ref. Pistols and revolvers by JE Smith p56, Pistols of the world by Hogg and Weeks p15, Pistols of the world by Hogg and Weeks p116) In 1894 the 5.5mm Velo Dog cartridge was introduced in France - a rimmed .22 centerfire cartridge with a long, slim case. “Velo” is an abbreviation of “velocipede,” used in Europe like Americans use the word “bike” for “bicycle.” Velo Dog became a generic name for small revolvers carried by bicyclists, in any of a number of calibers, made primarily by Belgian, and German small arms manufacturers, though some were made in Spain. They were usually hammerless (concealed hammer) revolvers with a folding double-action trigger and a swivel ejector rod like the British Bulldogs (John Adams’ patent of July 1872--British Patent #285). (ref. ‘Pistols of the world’ by Hogg and Weeks p117)

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