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 (VFA-11) with Serial Number #VFA11-00!
This Kimber Factory Letter documents a Kimber Custom II (VFA-11) pistol, identified by the highly significant serial number VFA11-00. This firearm is chambered in .45 ACP and features a 5-inch barrel, a matte black finish, and wood grips adorned with VFA Emblems. The document designates this pistol as Serial Number One of a special edition series, a title reserved for the inaugural example of a limited production run. According to the remarks, this specific unit was historically retained within the personal collection of Leslie Edelman, the founder and owner of Kimber, and was notably selected for display at SHOT Show 2013. Signed by Edelman and dated February 6, 2026, the letter confirms the pistol's release from the Kimber Vault and its delivery 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 (VFA-11) - “Red Rippers” - United States Navy Strike Fighter Squadron - 85th Anniversary
Serial: VFA11-00
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Low Profile Adjustable Rear w/ Dovetailed Front Post
Stock/Grips: Smooth / Textured Two-Piece Wooden Grips w/ “Red Rippers” and “VFA” Emblems
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the slide is engraved with “1927 2012” and Red Rippers Emblem. The right side of the slide is engraved with “85 YEARS” and “VFA-11”. It also depicts a fighter plane and an antique aircraft.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Kimber Custom II “VFA-11 Red Rippers” 85th Anniversary edition is a commemorative 1911 honoring one of the U.S. Navy’s most storied strike fighter squadrons. Built on Kimber’s proven Custom II platform, this model combines reliable performance with a distinctive aviation-themed presentation, celebrating the legacy of VFA-11—a unit with a long and decorated history operating carrier-based fighter aircraft. The pistol typically incorporates detailed engravings, squadron insignia, and themed design elements that reflect the Red Rippers’ heritage and identity. Produced as a limited-edition commemorative, this model was not part of Kimber’s standard production catalog and was instead created in relatively small numbers for a specific audience, often tied to military personnel, collectors, or commemorative programs. Variants associated with individual squadrons such as VFA-11 are especially niche, appealing to collectors with an interest in naval aviation history or unit-specific memorabilia. As a result, these pistols are seldom encountered on the open market, particularly in high condition or complete package form. From a collector’s standpoint, the combination of a respected Kimber platform with a specific U.S. Navy squadron tribute creates a compelling and increasingly scarce offering. The 85th Anniversary designation adds further historical context, tying the piece to a milestone moment in the squadron’s lineage. Examples that remain well-preserved, especially those accompanied by original packaging and documentation, are highly desirable, offering both a functional 1911 and a meaningful connection to U.S. naval aviation history.
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.
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1174510393 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-31 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1625 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-05-31 18:35:28 |
