Ed Brown Pair of Aces: a Winning Hand-Gun Duo

The 1911 has turned into a staple for many shooters, and while the list is long for both production and custom models, when something really special comes along, you do stand up and take notice. Such is the case with the Pair of Aces from Ed Brown Products of Perry, Missouri.

Built of stainless steel, polished and carrying consecutive serial numbers, these heavily engraved guns are state-of-the-art “art” guns for those looking for something unique in their display case. The pair consists of a full-size Government model and a Commander Bobtail model.

Both are precisely fit by Brown’s skilled craftsmen and finished with full-coverage engraving. Master engraver James White did the honors on the hand-relief pattern. Executed in a classic floral pattern, the detail is outstanding and without fault. In fact, the coverage is so complete that even the smaller areas around the magazine release, trigger guard, barrel bushing and the inside surface of the grip safety have this impressive design. Coverage extends to the flats of the slide lock and single-sided serrated thumb safety, and the magazine release and grip screws are treated to enhanced detailing.

While the slide and frame are the center attractions, the slide’s top rib is custom made by first being flattened, then serrated and relieved on each side to give the appearance of a raised rib. The rear cocking serrations are finished with square vertical cuts, and the rear of the slide is serrated at 50 lines per inch.

Collector's Item?

The owner will decide whether these guns ever get fired, but they’re certainly up to the task. The Government gun has an adjustable target-type rear sight paired with a gold bead up front. The Commander has a front gold bead sight as well, while the rear is a low-profile fixed combat style. I measured the triggers by just pulling the hammers back—I wasn’t about to rack the slides on these special guns—and the Government model broke at four pounds. The Commander was a bit heavier, and both had just a tiny amount of slack before the sear broke.

The fronstraps and mainspring housings are checkered at 25 lpi, and the magazine well is beveled. The Commander also sports Ed Brown’s Bobtail cut. The final special touches on these guns are the handsome custom cocobolo grip panels. Half of the grip is checkered; the other half has a pair of aces engraved in them.

Special guns command special prices, and the Pair of Aces sells for $16,995. So if you have some serious money burning a hole in your pocket, check them out at EdBrown.com.

---