Lincoln-Bossu
Henrion, Dassy & Heuschen · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1900
Also known as: Bossu, Lincoln Bossu, HDH Bossu
Overview
The Lincoln-Bossu is a small hammerless pocket revolver of the Velo-Dog pattern built in Liege by Henrion, Dassy & Heuschen (HDH) in the early 20th century. A less refined companion to the firm's hammer-fired Lincoln, it uses a fully concealed internal striker in place of an exposed hammer and a folding trigger so it draws cleanly from a coat pocket without snagging. The double-action-only mechanism feeds from a loading-gate cylinder, and the revolver was offered chambered for the diminutive 5.5mm/5.75mm Velo-Dog cartridge as well as the 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP). 'Bossu' is French for 'hunchback', a nod to the humped profile of the hammerless frame.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 230 g (8.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Barrel Length | 57 mm (2.24") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 40 J (30 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 5 m (5 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog · primary — also known as 5.75mm Velo-Dog, 5.5x29.6mmR, 6mm Velo-Dog, Velo-Dog Calibre
- 6.35x16mm Browning (.25 ACP) — also known as .25 ACP, 6.35mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Loading Gate Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Concealed Hammer, Double Action Only Trigger
- Features: Hammerless, Internal Striker, Folding Trigger, Pocket Size, Loading Gate, Snag Free Design
Variants
- Lincoln - Hammer Model
Production
Production years: 1900-1934
HDH registered its trademark at the Liege proofhouse around 1910-1921; the HDH mark was recorded on 24 January 1912. Large numbers of low-cost Velo-Dog type revolvers were produced but exact totals are unrecorded.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Discontinued: 1934
Notes
HDH marketed the type as an inexpensive, mass-produced defensive arm sold through wholesalers. The 'Bossu' hammerless designation distinguished it from the exposed-hammer 'Lincoln'. Surviving examples are typically five-shot, with a barrel around 2.25 inches (57mm), a left-side safety and a folding trigger.
Background
The name 'Bossu' - French for 'hunchback' - referred to the humped silhouette of the concealed-hammer frame, while the Velo-Dog lineage traces to the cycling craze of the 1890s when compact revolvers were carried to fend off aggressive street dogs.