Wasn't there an option for a pad from the factory?
Yes, but that's why you need to check the serialization book. Book does not list all S/Ns and data is not 100% correct, but it might confirm that it left the factory that way. If that rib is factory, that could make it special, but probably not $11K special. Rib looks like it was done by a professional, so might be factory, but I have not seen one like that. A PGCA letter might show that the gun was shipped that way to a famous person. Provenance helps with value, but does not make it a better shooter. Make sure all S/Ns match and that barrels have not been cut, chokes opened, chambers lengthened, etc.
