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 (A CO 1-327IN) with Serial Number #ABU00!
This Kimber Factory Letter documents a Custom II (A CO 1-327IN) pistol, identified by the serial number ABU00. This specific firearm is chambered in .45 ACP and is configured with a 5-inch barrel, a Black finish, and Wood grips. According to the remarks, this example represents the first serialized firearm produced within its production model line, marking the official beginning of that model's manufacturing history. As with many inaugural examples, firearms bearing Serial Number One were retained within the personal collection of Leslie Edelman, founder and owner of Kimber. The document, signed by Edelman, states that the pistol was released from the Kimber Vault on February 6, 2026, and delivered to Bryant Ridge Co. in Liberty, Kentucky.
Although no official records exist for this specific prototype design, it can reasonably be inferred that this example was produced as a “Mock-Up” for evaluation against military specifications. In our research, we have not found any indications that this particular model was put into production whatsoever.
Model: Custom II (A CO 1-327IN) - Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment
Serial: ABU00
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Black
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Low Profile Adjustable Rear w/ Dovetailed Front Post
Stock/Grips: Smooth / Checkered Wooden Two-Piece Grips w/ 327th Infantry Regiment The "Club" Insignia and Regimental Coat of Arms Emblems
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The right side of the slide features "OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM XIII".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Kimber Custom II (A CO 1-327IN) is an exceptionally rare military deployment commemorative built on Kimber’s flagship 5-inch 1911 platform. Chambered in .45 ACP and finished in matte black, this model was custom-produced to honor the soldiers of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment ("Bastogne Bulldogs")—a core combat unit of the legendary 101st Airborne Division ("Screaming Eagles"). The right side of the slide is laser-engraved with "OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM XIII" to commemorate their deployment to Afghanistan, while the custom rosewood grips feature the iconic 327th Airborne helmet "Club" insignia with "ABU" text on the left panel and the official 327th Infantry Regimental Coat of Arms with the "HONOR AND COUNTRY" scroll on the right panel. What elevates this firearm into the ultimate tier of collector desirability is its custom serial number ABU00, designating it as Serial Number One of the entire military unit production run. What sets this example apart is its profound airborne infantry combat deployment pedigree combined with ultimate serial number precedence. Preserved directly within the private personal holdings of Kimber founder Leslie Edelman since its manufacturing, this inaugural firearm stood at the absolute origin of the model line and was never distributed through commercial retail channels. Military unit deployment commemorative 1911s—especially those tied to historic combat elements of the 101st Airborne—are intensely sought-after by military sidearm collectors, and acquiring an untouched Serial Number One certified directly from the Kimber Vault archive represents a museum-tier acquisition opportunity. This Kimber Factory Letter documents a Custom II (A CO 1-327IN) pistol, identified by the serial number ABU00. This specific firearm is chambered in .45 ACP and is configured with a 5-inch barrel, a Black finish, and Wood grips. According to the remarks, this example represents the first serialized firearm produced within its production model line, marking the official beginning of that model's manufacturing history. As with many inaugural examples, firearms bearing Serial Number One were retained within the personal collection of Leslie Edelman, founder and owner of Kimber. The document, signed by Edelman, states that the pistol was released from the Kimber Vault on February 6, 2026, and delivered to Bryant Ridge Co. in Liberty, Kentucky.
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.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1194071582 |
BidPrice: |
280.51 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-09-06 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
280.51 |
