Belgium revolvers identifying

[CHLMAYDIAE]

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.alpe/Collection?authkey=Gv1sRgCODZxvPW1qXwwQE#5368339793974898498
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.alpe/Collection?authkey=Gv1sRgCODZxvPW1qXwwQE#5368339865592460338

The second one could be a Galand Velodog type, 5 shots, cal. 32, you can see the ammunitions :
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.alpe/Collection?authkey=Gv1sRgCODZxvPW1qXwwQE#5368339828077513858
http://picasaweb.google.fr/pascal.alpe/Collection?authkey=Gv1sRgCODZxvPW1qXwwQE#5368339858258450786

[SDC]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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