Let ad that, from what little can be gleaned from the above pics; the small portions of the rib matting ahead of the gold bar inlay appear to be original Hunter Arms rib matting. The area between the gold rib inlay and rib extension is hand engraved, as was the custom on all Smith gun grade 2 and up; and included the maker's name and address (same information was roll-stamped on lower grades). And since these inscriptions were hand engraved, all are unique. Sometimes the engraver cut a border around his inscription work, and sometimes he didn't (see the Grade 4 in the Houchins book); and sometimes the maker's name and address was engraved in a straight bordered line in this area of the rib, and the space on either side was either matted or engraved. Outside the Pigeon Grade, on the highest grade Smith guns (Grades 5 and higher), this rib area was nearly always engraved; and the maker's name and address was hand-engraved atop the barrels to include barrel steel type on the highest grades. So again, I'm not seeing anything odd in the rib area; and although there may be a problem there that escapes me, the Grade 4 was always a special order gun and no two are ever identical. In other areas, from what little I can see from the pics showing the opening lever position, it appears the opening lever is in/near the center position; and not well to the right of center as one would expect with a near mint gun. There is a visible gap between the wood and side plate on the left side; and a close examination of pic reveals an old hairline crack behind the lock plate. That crack could be the result of wood shrinkage; but appears to be oil stained, so I would speculate it developed from shooting and that the stock head is in need of repair. Again, absolutely must have more pics to evaluate this gun. Good pics of the stocks and checkering patterns will allow a determination of whether stocks may have been refinished; and I've already requested pics of the barrel flats, water table, etc. But this is an interesting gun, and I wish you the best with whatever decision you may make.
