Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Liège Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.
For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS
Charles François Galand
This is a Belgium Galand Velodog Revolver.
Charles F. Galand invented the Velodog Cartridge, and designed the first revolvers around his cartridge.
In the 1870's through the Victorian era packs of dogs wandered city streets. And if a person was bit by a rabid dog it was a death sentence! And anyone riding a Velocipede (early bicycle) was usually chased by unleashed dogs. The Bicyclist needed protection, so they usually packed a small pistol. The Velo Dog cartridge was a longer cartridge. As you can see, the Cylinder on this revolver is longer than normal to hold the longer Velo Dog Cartridges.
Marked "GALAND / LIEGE" on the left side of the frame in front of the cylinder. Marked "VEL" for VeloDog on the right side of the lower frame.
This weapon corresponds obviously to the patent of Oury, see: Oury Vélodog.
Then why doesn't the mention “Oury Breveté” is not on the weapon, usual in this case?
Alain
