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 TLE II (SOTF-201) with Serial Number #201SF-00!
The Kimber Factory Letter identifies this firearm as a Kimber Custom TLE II (SOTF-201), bearing the significant serial number 201SF-00. Chambered in .45 ACP, this model features a 5-inch barrel, a Desert Tan/Matte Black finish, and wood grips featuring Special Forces Airborne Emblems. The document highlights the firearm's historical importance as Serial Number One of a special edition series, a designation reserved for the inaugural example of a limited production run. According to the remarks, this pistol was historically retained within the personal collection of Leslie Edelman, the founder and owner of Kimber, and was never released to the public. Signed by Edelman and dated February 6, 2026, the letter confirms its release from the Kimber Vault for 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 TLE II (SOTF-201) - Special Operations Task Force - Operation New Dawn (OND)
Serial: 201SF-00
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Desert Tan Frame w/ Matte Black Slide
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Rear 3-Dot Night Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wooden Two-Piece Grips w/ Special Forces Airborne Emblems
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the slide is factory engraved with “OND 2011”. The right side of the slide is engraved with “SOTF-201”. The top of the slide is engraved with the official motto of the US Army Forces “De Oppresso Liber”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Kimber Custom TLE II (SOTF-201) – Special Operations Task Force / Operation New Dawn is a highly specialized and visually distinctive variant built on Kimber’s proven Tactical Law Enforcement platform. Designed with real-world application in mind, the TLE II incorporates features such as a match-grade barrel, front strap checkering, and duty-oriented configuration, offering reliability and performance consistent with Kimber’s tactical lineup. The addition of “SOTF-201” and “Operation New Dawn” markings connects this example directly to a defined operational period during U.S. military involvement in Iraq, giving it a level of significance beyond standard production models. What sets this example apart is its highly specific task force designation, which falls outside typical Kimber catalog offerings. Firearms marked for individual task forces or operational units are generally produced in very limited quantities and distributed through restricted or affiliated channels, often intended for members of the unit or those closely associated with it. As a result, examples such as this are rarely encountered on the open market, particularly in well-preserved condition. The specificity of the markings suggests a focused commemorative or presentation purpose rather than broad commercial distribution. From a collector’s standpoint, the SOTF-201 Operation New Dawn TLE II represents a compelling and niche offering within the Kimber lineup. Firearms tied to specific operations or task forces carry a unique appeal due to their direct connection to real-world military history, and examples that remain complete and well-preserved are increasingly difficult to locate. With limited known production and few comparable examples available, this pistol stands as a rare and desirable piece for collectors seeking a modern 1911 with both tactical credibility and historical association.
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/1174512436 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-31 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1020 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-05-31 18:01:59 |
