Picked up this little piece from a local auction with a bid that I did not expect to win with.

But being a cartridge collector and having a few Velo-Dog cartridges around I figured it would make a good display piece.

Still need to verify the caliber (most likely 8mm), but this one is probably circa 1895 or so.

The word "Velo" translates to BICYCLE or BIKE.

This particular Velo-Dog design (made in Belgium) is on the larger size, most are quite small and designed as a "Bicycle" gun to be carried in small pockets.

The original intent was that these were carried by cyclists (pest control) to be used against dogs that might chase you down. And eventually they became convienent concealed carry guns for those wanting a small, easy to conceal firearm.

Enjoy,

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Made for shooting vicious dogs when bicycling.

My feeling is the dog would need to be quite small for this to be effective.....but I suppose it would be a deterent either way.

This piece actually has a decent bore but the outside has been neglected. Still an interesting piece/wall hanger.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

When I'm cycling I use the current generation of Velo-dog gun, a LCR. The 4 legged dogs haven't ever been a problem, but the 2 legged dogs have been know to be pretty nasty!

Ivan

That large trigger is interesting. It would make it easier to use when on a bike or wearing gloves.
I used to cycle in a rural county where people let their dogs run free. I got good at using Halt pepper spray on them. Rapid, easy deployment was crucial. It looks like that gun was designed with ease of use in mind.

Shooting dogs from the old high wheel bikes would be tricky. Probably more dogs killed when bike upset on them.

Make sure to use a holster that covers the trigger!

Is the caliber possibly .25acp?

Doesn’t the trigger fold up into the frame?

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Halfway and one more step

Yes it is.

Whenever I think of the Velo-Dog I am reminded of the write-up in Frank Barnes' "Cartridges of the World".

I laughed at the line "This must have been a unique period of history when people were considered more important than dogs."

Jim

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Here is my example - on the left side, you will see the safety lever that blocks the trigger from moving. Interesting little gun that I have never had ammunition for. On the other hand, I have never really wanted to shoot it.

(Oh - and the trigger does fold up against the frame).

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I am thinking you might be correct.....another fellow cartridge collector mentioned the same caliber. Will check it out and report back.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Pretty sure yours is made by the same manufacturer.....a Belgium company if I am correct.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Turns out this one is 7.65 (.32 ACP), they drop right into the cylinder.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Correct, the trigger folds forward up against the frame.

They made this same model with a trigger guard and non-folding trigger as well.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Partner I would check that a little closer. Not a expert on these little revolvers but have seen several in 8mm Lebel. The French military cartridge for 1892 revolver. 32 Acp may be to hot for old gun and wouldn't be accurate with smaller bullet. Factory load was only 100gr bullet at 615 fps. Factory 32acp is approx 75 gr bullet at 900fps+. 8mm Lebel was chambered in several Belgian
revolvers for French trade.

You could be right about the 8mm, however I do NOT plan to shoot this one just bought it for a display/paperweight. Just a curiosity piece for me.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303