Thanks so much to everyone who sent notes here and on Facebook. I've had fun learning about this little pistol.To summarize what I've learned. This basic style is referred to as a velodog pistol. The name is a combination of the words velocipede (old term for bicycle) and dog. They were used to scare off dogs that tried to chase and attack bicyclists. They were designed to fit comfortably in a gentleman's pocket while riding a bike, thus the folding trigger and enclosed hammer.
However, a true velodog revolver had an elongated cylinder, chambered for 5.5mm center fire rounds. My grandmother's gun does not have this elongation. thus it is more likely a later revolver in the same style, but intended for personal defense, not dogs.
Auguste Francotte was based in Liege, and produced firearms beginning in 1810 and was most active in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company produced no less that 150 revolver styles by the end of the 1800s.
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Thanks again to all those who helped in my hunting. It's been a fun adventure!
