Burt Humphrey said

This Model 64 in 219 Zipper is in new condition and I am proud to own it. However, this post is not about the Zipper, it is about the man I bought it from over 30 years ago. The man’s name was James O. Aplan – his friends just called him Jim. Jim passed away the day after Christmas at his home in Piedmont, South Dakota at the age of 87. Jim and his wife Peg always had a table at the best gun shows in the country. Jim was an educated man, including a Masters Degree and knew more about the history of the American west, especially South Dakota history, than most college professors. Back in the 60’s, before credit cards, internet and faked/redone guns, Jim had gun shops in a couple of South Dakota locations and many of finest firearms in the county passed thru his hands – not just Winchesters but Colts, Marlins, Remington’s and Sharps. During his long life, Jim was involved in many different endeavors. He was a trained and skilled gunsmith, spent quite a few years in the banking business and throughout most of his life was involved in antiques, especially Indian artifacts and cowboy memorabilia. In Jim’s early days he was a professional rodeo cowboy. Jim was old school, his word was his bond and when he shook hands it meant something. I first met Jim the day I bought the Zipper. I was on a road trip thru South Dakota and saw the big sign along Interstate 90 near Piedmont that said “James O. Aplan, Antiques and Art”. I went inside, got acquainted and started looking at dozens of guns. Then, I found the Zipper and asked what it would take to hold the gun until I got back to Alaska and sent him some money. He said “I know your family, just take the gun and send me a check when you get home”. We shook hands – done deal! On December 26, 2018 we lost a fine American and one hell of a man!  

Burt,

In the times we live in today, we sure can use a few more folks like Mr. Aplan. 

Al

Favorites?  Lots of my individual rifles are a favorite for one reason or another.  It is almost impossible to say which is “numero uno” and the rest are “also rans”.  Here is a Model 1894 deluxe grade gun chambered in 25-35 with a button mag.  I really like the clean lines of the octagon barrel and the lighter look of the gun with the short mag.  I hope you like.

Michael

In 15 days it will be 3 years since we lost Jim Aplan. As noted in my post he was a fine American and I only wish I had known him sooner. In 1990 I was in Great Falls Montana and spent some time with Lew Yearout – if you are interested in or collect Winchesters you at lease know of him – he did start WACA. In my time with Mr. Yearout we discussed his sources for guns – he was quick to note some of the best came thru Jim Aplan. I no longer own the pristine 64 Deer Rifle in 219 Zipper – as part of my down-sizing plan the gun was sold to a young WACA member and I hope he cherishes and takes care of the Zipper as I did for over 30 years – temporary custodians is what we are.

Bert H. said
Burt,
For several years, my friend Larry Shennum and I had our tables right next to Jim & Peggy. They almost always had one or more grandkids and a dog with them. Very nice people!
Bert  

I just saw Peggy at the Rapid City show last weekend. She was right across from me and had the same old table cover with her husbands name on the front. There was a Henry on the table for $30k and a bunch of small stuff ……… oh, and yes, I believe there was a dog with her. 

RickC said

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/greatfallstribune/name/lewis-yearout-obituary?id=28076309  

Rick – Lew Yearout was a character and with his son Leyton they used to have some nice displays at big gun shows. There are many guns in the Winchester Book from his collection – he also authored at least a couple of books on Winchesters. Not long after Lew died, Layton was killed in a fire that burned down his house near Great Falls. He died from inhaling too much smoke and I heard many of the guns in his dad’s collection were lost in the fire – he may have been trying to save guns and the smoke got him. I remember seeing auction flyers for a Yearout collection later so obviously it did not get them all.