Belgium revolvers identifying

CHLMAYDIAE · August 10, 2009, 09:23 AM

There were a post on the same subject, but too old to reply directly.

The first one seems to be a Bulldog type, 5 shots, cal. .320 (short) :
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39793974898498
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39865592460338

The second one could be a Galand Velodog type, 5 shots, cal. 32, you can see the ammunitions :
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39828077513858
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39858258450786

SDC · August 10, 2009, 03:11 PM

Are there any initials on the sides of the frame, or on the sides of the grip when you take the grip plates off? The Velo-dog looks like it's in 5.5mm velo-dog, at least that's what the ammunition appears to be. A good place to ask about these sorts of little revolvers is http://www.littlegun.be/index.htm

CHLMAYDIAE · August 12, 2009, 08:35 AM

initials on the left side of the grip with plates off are E B in two separates circles (picture to come)

Ammunitions are Gevelot-SFM Velodog (Société française de Munitions), and caliber is probably 8 mm Lebel rather than a 5.5 (but rough measure...)

Thank you for your help

**Mike Irwin** · August 12, 2009, 12:15 PM

that is definitely NOT 8mm Lebel revolver ammunition.

The length to bullet diameter ratio is all wrong.

The ammunition shown may very well not go with that revolver.

Definitely 5.5 Velo Dog ammunition. The thick rim and bullet diameter to shell length matches perfectly the illustration in Cartridges of the World.

CHLMAYDIAE · August 13, 2009, 07:02 AM

Thank you Mike and SDC, and excuse my mistakes, I'm just a beginner...

I'll make you know if I find the exact brand of the gun, with the list on

http://www.littlegun.be

James K · August 13, 2009, 03:24 PM

The best way to at least identify the country of origin is by the proof marks. I suspect both guns are Belgian, but finding the Liege oval with E L G would confirm that. The lower revolver is definitely Velodog caliber as shown by the cylinder length.

Those revolvers were the equivalent to the inexpensive H&R and similar revolvers in the U.S., except that the American guns were the product of factories. They sold for the equivalent of $3-5. Today, in the U.S., they have only a nominal value, though there is a small collector interest. There is an almost infinite variety. They were made mostly by gun making associations in Belgium and Germany, groups of small "cottage" shops that turned out parts which were then assembled in another small shop. For that reason, they rarely have a maker's name.

Jim

August 10, 2009, 09:23 AM	#1
CHLMAYDIAE Junior Member Join Date: July 31, 2009 Location: France Posts: 3	Belgium revolvers identifying There were a post on the same subject, but too old to reply directly. The first one seems to be a Bulldog type, 5 shots, cal. .320 (short) : http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39793974898498 http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39865592460338 The second one could be a Galand Velodog type, 5 shots, cal. 32, you can see the ammunitions : http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39828077513858 http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.al...39858258450786

August 10, 2009, 03:11 PM	#2
SDC Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2001 Location: People's Republic of Kanada Posts: 1,652	Are there any initials on the sides of the frame, or on the sides of the grip when you take the grip plates off? The Velo-dog looks like it's in 5.5mm velo-dog, at least that's what the ammunition appears to be. A good place to ask about these sorts of little revolvers is http://www.littlegun.be/index.htm __________________ Gun control in Canada: making the streets safer for rapists, muggers, and other violent criminals since 1936.

August 12, 2009, 08:35 AM	#3
CHLMAYDIAE Junior Member Join Date: July 31, 2009 Location: France Posts: 3	other informations initials on the left side of the grip with plates off are E B in two separates circles (picture to come) Ammunitions are Gevelot-SFM Velodog (Société française de Munitions), and caliber is probably 8 mm Lebel rather than a 5.5 (but rough measure...) Thank you for your help

August 12, 2009, 12:15 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	that is definitely NOT 8mm Lebel revolver ammunition. The length to bullet diameter ratio is all wrong. The ammunition shown may very well not go with that revolver. Definitely 5.5 Velo Dog ammunition. The thick rim and bullet diameter to shell length matches perfectly the illustration in Cartridges of the World. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

August 13, 2009, 07:02 AM	#5
CHLMAYDIAE Junior Member Join Date: July 31, 2009 Location: France Posts: 3	Thank you Mike and SDC, and excuse my mistakes, I'm just a beginner... I'll make you know if I find the exact brand of the gun, with the list on http://www.littlegun.be

August 13, 2009, 03:24 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The best way to at least identify the country of origin is by the proof marks. I suspect both guns are Belgian, but finding the Liege oval with E L G would confirm that. The lower revolver is definitely Velodog caliber as shown by the cylinder length. Those revolvers were the equivalent to the inexpensive H&R and similar revolvers in the U.S., except that the American guns were the product of factories. They sold for the equivalent of $3-5. Today, in the U.S., they have only a nominal value, though there is a small collector interest. There is an almost infinite variety. They were made mostly by gun making associations in Belgium and Germany, groups of small "cottage" shops that turned out parts which were then assembled in another small shop. For that reason, they rarely have a maker's name. Jim