There are different angoras. The smallest is the English, which is the most commonly seen in the UK. They are around 5 - 7lb but can be a bit smaller or bigger. The ones in my avatar belonged to my grandma's cousin, round about 1920. My own are a similar size, around 5lb. I have EAs from different breeders, one considerably smaller than the other two. So even within one breed, there is a variation. But there are also French (7-10lb) Satin (6 - 9lb) and German angoras (4lb - 12lb) as well as giant angoras (above 9lb). It is possible what you saw in the past were say, German Angoras, and what you have there is a small English. Or it could just be two different sizes within the range of Englishes.