Retolaza Brompetier
Retolaza Hermanos · Pistol · Discontinued · 1905
Also known as: Brompetier
Overview
The Retolaza Brompetier is a Spanish hammerless double-action pocket revolver of the Velo-Dog type, built by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar and marketed from roughly 1905 to 1915. Chambered in 6.35mm (.25 ACP) and 7.65mm (.32 ACP), it used a concealed internal-striker firing mechanism housed in a rounded, snag-free frame designed for discreet pocket carry, and was sold under the 'Brompetier' trade name stamped on the gun.
Specifications
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
- .32 ACP — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Hammerless, Concealed Internal Striker, Folding Trigger, Rounded Snag Free Frame, Solid Frame
Production
Production years: 1905-1915
Small-scale Eibar commercial production; exact figures unrecorded.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Retolaza brothers
Discontinued: 1915
Notes
'Brompetier' was one of numerous commercial trade names used by Retolaza Hermanos, alongside automatic-pistol brands such as Liberty, Military, Paramount, Stosel and Titanic. The Brompetier belongs to Retolaza's earlier pocket-revolver output that predated their move into Eibar/Ruby-type automatics. Physical dimensions and cylinder capacity are not well documented.
Background
Velo-Dog revolvers took their name from the French 'velocipede' and 'dog' — they were originally sold to cyclists as a discreet defence against the stray dogs that chased them. Retolaza Hermanos, better known for its wartime Ruby-type automatics, was among the Eibar pioneers who churned out these tiny pocket revolvers under a rotating cast of catchy trade names like the Brompetier.