The Theur used a front loaded tapered cartridge that was loaded similar to the normal comubstible cartridge. The cartride contained bullet, powder, and cap or primer. It is often found cased with the loading tools necessary to load the cartridges yourself from components. It was a Colt attempt to get around bored through cylinders and still offer a self contained cartridge. No, it wasn't the best system and was quickly superseded by the superior Mason, Richards - Mason, et all.
My question was more academic than practical, especially as no one is making them. What do you think a modern made gun would be classified as? The 1872 open tops, as well as 1851's with a factory conversion cylinder installed are classified as firearms, muzzleloaders are not. I was wondering if the Thuer is fish or fowl?
(one can be found here)
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