Like, really, really small!



Behold the mighty Kolb Baby Hammerless, First Model (on the left) and Second Model (on the right). .22 Short folding trigger, double action only. Popular as a "self defense" gun in the early decades of the 1900s. Maybe not the most ballistically effective thing going, but I guess better than nothing. And if nothing else, they would leave a lot of room in your pocket for whatever else you needed to bring along I guess!

To get an idea of just how small these are, I set them up on a Colt 1903, not exactly a giant of a pistol:



The third little guy is an unknown maker Belgian revolver, also double action only in .22 short.



Got it as a package deal with the First Model Kolb, but it's kind of cool in it's own right. Nicely made, with a bit of engraving.

Bill R

I've seen pics of some resembling the pearl handled ones in the top pic referred to as Velodog revolvers. Supposedly designed in Belgium or France for bike riders who might be attacked by dogs while riding their bikes in the early 20th century? IDK how true that is if any. "Velo" does mean bicycle in French for what it's worth.

quote:

Originally posted by kaschi:
I've seen pics of some resembling the pearl handled ones in the top pic referred to as Velodog revolvers. Supposedly designed in Belgium or France for bike riders who might be attacked by dogs while riding their bikes in the early 20th century? IDK how true that is if any. "Velo" does mean bicycle in French for what it's worth.

The Belgian one would definitely be in the category of “Velodog” revolvers. In the US, there were revolvers grouped under the name “Bicycle Guns” that were basically the same thing, although usually.32 or .38 top brake pistols in a small frame format.

Cool group of guns that filled a niche for “defense” in the early twentieth century…

Bill R

Very cool !

Those are really cool, and that trigger system is an interesting approach to a concealment problem while still remaining pretty safe. Can you flip that thing down with a finger and immediately fire the gun? And how firmly does it stay tucked away up against the frame when it's stowed?

Somebody once pointed out the odd derivation of "Velodog."
"Velo" is French for bicycle, would be a common term in Belgium. But "dog" is English, would be "chien" in French.
So who dreamed up that trademark? Somebody wanting sales on both sides of the Channel, maybe.

Strictly speaking, a Velodog revolver should be chambered for the very long .22 Velodog centerfire cartridge. Other calibres are called things like "Pocket Bulldog."

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Those are really cool, and that trigger system is an interesting approach to a concealment problem while still remaining pretty safe. Can you flip that thing down with a finger and immediately fire the gun? And how firmly does it stay tucked away up against the frame when it's stowed?

They are DAO, and the triggers flip down pretty easy. In fact, I would guess that when new, the spring tension holding them up would have kept them more secure. These are a “well broken in”!

Bill R