From 1905, the class G 4¹ grouped together various freight locomotives with a 0-6-0 wheel arrangement, which had a boiler pressure of twelve bars and a simple two-cylinder engine. These were older machines of different types and manufacturers, some of which were a development of the locomotives now known as G 3.

A large part of the locomotives of this type were new constructions, which had been built between 1884 and 1901 according to Prussian standards. A total of 16 pieces came from the Hessian Ludwig Railway and had been built between 1872 and 1896. Another part was created by conversions in which a G 3 was converted to twelve bars boiler pressure. The latter received the designation G 4¹, but in terms of power they were on a par with the G 4 and could be interchanged with one another.

By raising the boiler pressure, a not inconsiderable increase in power was available without enlarging the cylinders, which led to a significantly higher tractive effort at the same speed. In addition, the weight was increased compared to their predecessors, but in most other respects they were very similar.

A total of 165 vehicles of the actual type G 4¹ were made. After the First World War, only four of them had to be handed over to Italy, so that 92 could be included in the Reichsbahn's 1923 renumbering plan. These should get the numbers 53 7601 to 53 7692, but two years later only 17 engines were remaining. These were also retired by 1930.