Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is proud to present a once-in-a-generation offering direct from the legendary Kimber Vault—an extraordinary collection of firearms that have never before been released to the public. These remarkable pieces include Serial Number One examples, rare prototypes, and factory display & salesman samples, ALL of which were retained internally for decades by Kimber's Founder, Owner, & CEO, Leslie Edelman.
Until now, these firearms have remained unseen outside of the company’s inner circle, making this a truly unprecedented opportunity for collectors. Each firearm will be accompanied by an official Kimber Factory Certificate of Authenticity, further solidifying its provenance and historical significance.
As the exclusive outlet entrusted with their release, Bryant Ridge Co. offers collectors a unique chance to acquire historically significant Kimber firearms with unmatched provenance and desirability.
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Kimber Custom II (1-4 ARB) with Serial Number #14ARB00!
This Kimber Factory Letter documents a Custom II (1-4 ARB) pistol, bearing the highly significant serial number 14ARB00. Chambered in .45 ACP, this firearm features a 5-inch barrel, a matte black finish, and wood grips adorned with "Iron Eagles" Emblems. The document identifies this pistol as Serial Number One of a special edition series. As the inaugural example of a limited production run, it was historically withheld from the public and kept within the private collection of Leslie Edelman, Kimber's founder and owner. This letter, signed by Edelman and dated February 6, 2026, confirms its release from the Kimber Vault for delivery to Bryant Ridge Co. in Liberty, Kentucky.
Model: Custom II (1-4 ARB) - Operation Iraqi Freedom
Serial: 14ARB00
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Low Profile Adjustable Rear w/ Dovetailed Front Post
Stock/Grips: Smooth / Checkered Wooden Two-Piece Grips w/ “Iron Eagles” Emblems
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the slide is factory engraved with “2008-2009” above the flag of Iraq and “OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM” above an American Flag. The right side of slide is engraved with “1-4 ARB” along with “VIGILANTIA AETERNA”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Kimber Custom II (1-4 ARB) – Operation Iraqi Freedom is a highly specialized and visually distinctive variant built on Kimber’s proven Custom II platform, incorporating markings that directly reference the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment and its role during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The inclusion of Iraq-themed elements—such as the period-correct flag and deployment dates—creates a strong and intentional connection to a defined operational timeframe, elevating this example beyond standard production into a purpose-driven commemorative. Retaining the reliability and performance expected of a full-size 1911, this model blends practical functionality with a deeply rooted military narrative. What sets this example apart is its highly specific unit designation combined with deployment-era imagery, a pairing that is rarely encountered in standard Kimber offerings. Firearms marked for individual battalions or aviation regiments were typically produced in very limited quantities and distributed through specialized or affiliated channels, often intended for members of that unit or closely connected individuals. The cohesive nature of the markings suggests a unified theme rather than a later addition, reinforcing the idea of a limited and intentional production tied to a particular group and time period. From a collector’s standpoint, the 1-4 ARB Operation Iraqi Freedom Custom II represents a compelling and increasingly scarce offering. Firearms tied to specific units and identifiable deployment eras carry strong appeal due to their direct connection to real-world events, and examples that remain in high condition—especially those retaining original packaging and documentation—are becoming more difficult to locate. With little publicly available production information and few comparable examples observed, this pistol stands as a desirable and story-driven piece within the Kimber lineup, appealing to collectors seeking modern military-themed 1911s with meaningful historical context.
Contents:
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1174520397 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-31 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
956 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-05-31 18:28:42 |




