When the United States Army adopted John Moses Browning’s M1911 design to be the country’s first semi-automatic sidearm, no one could have imagined the lasting impact and legacy that this now-iconic model would have on the world of shooting.
When the M1911 was replaced by the M9 in 1985, the gun had been the standard U.S. sidearm for 74 years. That’s a record, and one that is unlikely to be broken. Even though it is no longer the standard-issue pistol, the M1911 is still in use in certain military applications more than 110 years after it was introduced.
Because of the reverence afforded both the design and the designer, when the 100th anniversary rolled around in 2011, it was cause for celebration by all sorts of companies who make 1911 pistols. Special limited editions cropped up by different makers, each offering their own unique take on the century-old design.
Kimber’s Custom Shop rose to the occasion and offered their own limited run of guns known as the Centennial Edition. The guns are built on Government model full-size frames and are chambered in .45 ACP — just as John Moses Browning and God intended. Limited to just 250 units, the Kimber 1911 Centennial sold out quickly. Lucky for you, though, one of these guns is available in the December Collection of Collector’s Elite Auctions.
Kimber 1911 Centennial
The first thing that sets these Kimber Centennial Edition pistols apart is their serial number. Each gun bears the prefix MMXI (for 2011) followed by a serial number ranging from 1 to 250. This particular pistol’s serial number is MMXI250. It is the last gun made in the edition.
Aside from the custom serial number, each pistol features a rust blue slide, color case frame and nitre blue accents (trigger and pins) by Doug Turnbull. Each also comes with smooth ivory grips and elegant scroll engraving on the slide that only adds to the gun’s appearance. It is in not detracted in any way by being considered too flashy.
The color case process by Turnbull on the frame produces a unique finish that is never the same twice. This is just one more level of uniqueness to add to this already limited edition pistol.
The gun also comes with a lockable wood presentation case with a leather lid that is adorned with a brass plaque. It is completed with a felt interior and maker’s label, original hard case with correct end labels, papers and one magazine.
You couldn’t ask for a more flawless example of a centennial 1911. This gun came from the collection of a Kimber employee who never handled or displayed the gun. The original hang tag is still zip-tied to the trigger guard, and the wood presentation case was still sealed in its protective box until it was opened for photos for Collector’s Elite Auctions.
While it is completely understandable if you wanted to keep this gun as a pristine safe queen, you can rest assured that it is just as functional as it is beautiful. Fitted with a Kimber adjustable rear sight and a dovetailed front sight, as well as a hand-fit barrel and bushing, this gun was built to be a tack driver. You could absolutely compete in matches with this gun and be known as the shooter with the best looking gun in the lineup. (Sorry, but being known as the best shooter is entirely on you.)
The only way you can get your hands on one of these 250 Kimber 1911 Centennial Edition pistols is on the secondary market. They don’t come up for sale very often, so don’t miss your chance in the December Collection.
