Make: Ed Brown

Model: Kobra

Serial Number: 17237

Year of Manufacture: 2002-Present

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “KOBRA”. The right side of the frame is marked “Ed Brown Products / Perry, MO USA / 17237”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “ED BROWN 45 ACP”. The right side of the slide is marked “CUSTOM BY / Ed Brown”. The front face of the barrel bushing is marked “BROWN”.

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The pistol is installed with Trijicon night sights. The front sight is a blade with a tritium lamp and the rear sight is a square notch lo-mount style sight, both are dovetailed into the slide. The lamps are bright and easily acquired in low light.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered double-diamond Cocobolo panels with palm swells. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The slide, front strap, and mainspring housing are snakeskin metal treated. The grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its original finish remaining. The balance of the stainless shows light signs of previous operation. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. The slide is snug to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One Ed Brown 7rd .45ACP magazine in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: This Ed Brown Kobra Government represents one of the defining high-end 1911 designs of the modern custom era, blending traditional Government-length proportions with Ed Brown’s distinctive snakeskin texturing and hand-fit construction. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Kobra quickly became a flagship model, valued for its understated aesthetics, precise machining, and emphasis on functional refinement rather than embellishment. The stainless construction, clean slide markings, and signature snakeskin treatment reflect Ed Brown’s disciplined approach to premium pistol building.

Chambered in .45 ACP, the Government-length 1911 remains inseparable from the cartridge’s century-long service history. This example retains an excellent bore, strong original finish, and crisp details throughout, with only minimal indications of prior use. The overall presentation reflects careful ownership and the enduring appeal of Ed Brown’s workmanship, offering a well preserved example of a purpose-built custom 1911 from one of the most respected names in the field.