Many graded 4 frame guns are 11 pound pigeon guns, made at the maximum weight under early competition rules. Some are lettered to known shooters. Order a PGCA letter to find out.

That's an interesting fact, I was looking into ordering a letter and debating on doing it or not

At the 1894 GAH (and GAHs thereafter) guns were limited to 12 gauge and 8 pounds. Prior to then the limit was not weight but shot charge; 10g being allowed 1 1/4 oz.

At the First DuPont Grand Smokeless Championship Handicap Live-bird Tournament October 1895 all guns were 8 pounds or less, and the usual load was 1 1/4 oz. shot with 3 1/2 Dr.Eq. Bulk Smokeless powder; gauge was not specified.

The 1898 “Trap Shooting Rules” by the American Shooting Association (courtesy of Randy Davis) listed the following rules:
Charge of powder was unlimited
Shot was limited to 1 1/4 oz. by “Dixon’s measure”
Weight limit:
10g - 9 lbs. 4 oz.
12g - 8 lbs. 4 oz.
16g - 7 lbs. 12 oz.
20g - 7 lbs. 8 oz.

The 11 pound maximum weight was a relic of the 1880s. Things change. Reverend Drew, I will try to get a reference, but my library is a bit cluttered right now.

“4” on Lug:
 

Late to the party, 10 gauge 1886 Lifter, frame size “4” on barrel lug.

Awesome, you’ve got two! Does the “L” on the one mean laminated?

Yes, one gun, 32” two barrel set.

Oh dang, seems only a little over 2000 laminated frames were ever made and throw in that frame 4s weren’t super common it would appear you’ve got yourself a pretty rare frame there!

We do have info on this gun in the factory records.