Retolaza Velo-Mith
Retolaza Hermanos · Revolver · Discontinued · 1905
Also known as: Velo-Mith, Velosmith
Overview
The Retolaza Velo-Mith is a Spanish velodog-type pocket revolver produced by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar in the early 20th century. A double-action-only design with a concealed internal striker and folding trigger, its reinforced frame was deliberately styled to resemble the FN/Browning Model 1900/1901 pocket automatic despite its revolver mechanism. Chambered for small self-defence cartridges — principally the 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP) and 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP) — it was one of several trade names, alongside Velo-Brom, Brompetier and Puppy, under which Retolaza marketed inexpensive concealable revolvers, primarily for export to the French civilian market.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 320 g (11.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Barrel Length | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning
- .32 ACP — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Concealed Hammer
- Features: Folding Trigger, Concealed Internal Striker, Pocket Size, Fixed Sights
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Market
Production
Production years: c.1905-1936
Exact production figures unrecorded; sold through the French and Spanish civilian pocket-revolver trade until Retolaza ceased operations around the Spanish Civil War.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
"Velo-Mith" (also rendered "Velosmith") was one of many fanciful export trade names applied to Eibar pocket velodog revolvers. Littlegun records the model with a square, oblique grip and a rear frame projection, chambered in 6.35mm and 7.65mm. Individual specimens vary; dimensions here are typical for the class.
Background
Retolaza Hermanos was among the pioneers of pocket-firearm manufacture in Eibar, starting around 1890 with copies of the French bicyclist's 'Velo-Dog' revolver. The Velo-Mith carried that heritage into the automatic-pistol age, disguising an old-fashioned folding-trigger revolver behind a slabby frame made to pass for a modern Browning self-loader.