Below is the 'typical' Velodog design pistol. These were designed for the early cyclists who as they rode through the countryside on early large bicycles that would be attacked by frightened dogs! The small size and low cost made it popular for ladies (there were small purses made for them to take out thier pistol  in the evening) and "conceal and carry" though that term was not used at that time. The most notable component is the very long cylinder to house the 5.5mm center fired velodog cartridge. Most were hammerless, actually having an enclosed hammer, but later guns included a hammer, especially those from Spain, though this example has Belgium proof marks. This example has no serial # but is stamped with a "5" in four places. And "11" in two places. Virtually all velodogs were double action though single action shooting was possible, it was difficult because of heavy hammer springs. Most employed a folding trigger and were rather streamlined in shape to offer better pocket concealment. Some had safeties which blocked the hammer from firing but not all had them. Almost immediately, gun manufacturers all over Europe introduced their own velodog cartridges for use in their own velodog pistols . And while the 'nominal' velodog cartridge was 5.7 or actually, 5.5mm, the length varied somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer. A few were also made in .22 short. [For a discussion of velodog catridge manufacturers, see www. 5.7 velodog municion.org] One reason the velodog was so well received by the arms manufacturing industry was the lull in gun sales in the last quarter of the 19th century. With the coming of peace after the 1870s, the huge surplus of military weapons was adequate for domestic markets. The production of this style of pistol stopped in 1940, the beginning of World War II.  This example is now Sold.