VERY RARE Henry Carbine Rifle (AW Packer)

VERY RARE CIVIL WAR NEW HAVEN ARMS HENRY BRASS FRAMED CARBINE, ONLY DOCUMENTED SURVIVING CARBINE.
The gun is identical configuration of all Henry rifles with the exception of 19" barrel. All internal markings are correct. The carbine frame, stock, and buttplate are serial numbered 7723 in the middle of 2nd martial range mid-1864. The barrel from earliest production and is numbered 241 in large font, altered to 19” with matching assembly markings on barrel and rotating loading sleeve. Carbine appears all original and complete as manufactured as carbine for army trials. Madis states that 3 or 4 carbines were made for army trials and this is the only survivor.
Late martial inspected government contract estimated production is 627 rifles scattered within the 6800 to 9800 serial number range. Three hundred fifteen total are known surviving and by SN from 3rd VRC records. It has not been previously published but in the database that John Sexton and Steve Stevens meticulously assembled over the past 40 years finds no civilian guns are documented between serials 7100 and 7800, where this unique carbine falls. All known survivors appear to be martial. It makes total sense for an experimental carbine to be found in martial range.
Pioneer Winchester & Henry authority George Madis wrote a 6-page letter of authenticity dated 1988 on this Henry which accompanies. His opinion is important as he was author of the original & iconic 1961 text THE WINCHESTER BOOK. This carbine was discovered years after publication, but later texts add its serial number to databases. Madis never had the current extensive database available now and the 1864 manufactured martials were unknown to him which would have better placed this unique surviving carbine. There is also an engraved name on sideplate “A H Packer” whose identity is unknown. There was an A H Packer is Civil War database, sailor on USS Benton, Altamus Huntsman Packer (1822-1887).
Madis explains the lower tang marking with added 241 and “XX” & “E” which are never found on standard production rifles: “It is my opinion this is one of the rare carbines, probably made for the army trials and later sold by the New Haven Arms Company. This is a unique Henry and is one-of-a-kind gun with the rarity, condition and age as well of a century and historical importance, 241-7723 will be a star in any fine collection or museum.” George Madis. This gun was reviewed by noted gun historian John Sexton.