[Mouse]

I was lucky enough to acquire a couple of these this weekend. First ones I've ever seen much less owned. I've been collecting belts for a little while so these are quite a coup for my meager collection.
They're the 250 rnd (374 pocket) belts, incorrectly dated Jan 18 "15" as shown in Dolf's book, I don't believe they have ever been loaded. There is some slight staining from prolonged storage but they are very solid and in great shape.

The question of the day is what are these things worth?
I have no idea, so any help or educated guesses will be greatly appreciated!

 

[bmg17a1]

The Marlin aircraft belts are more common the the ground gun belts, in my experience, both the 250 and 500 round types. Values seem to cover a range form about $100 to $150 for the aircraft belts in excellent condition.

 

[TARGSHOOT]

first ones ive seen
outstanding find, did i hear that right they made a 500 rnd belt ????
the thought of ammo cost

 

[Dan @ Angola Armory]

John,
Bob (bmg17a1) is the voice of reason here.PM me please.
Dan

 

[BAinMO]

500!

first ones ive seen
outstanding find, did i hear that right they made a 500 rnd belt ????
the thought of ammo cost

OK..........
Wanted a 500 rnd belt! (really) Those little 250 just take too long to replace. Doing a 500 with the '17 would just be way too fun!! I've got enough water/oil mix.
BAinMO

 

[Mouse]

first ones ive seen
outstanding find, did i hear that right they made a 500 rnd belt ????
the thought of ammo cost

Yes, the 500 rnd belt actually has 632 pockets (IIRC) and the 250 rnd belt has 374 pockets. I can't seem to recall the reason for this I'll have to crack a book and look it up.
Also, remember the pocket spacing on these belts is different from BMG belts. I dont know if that would cause any issues in a long run or not. (probably not)

 

[174th gunner]

anyone know how long the 500 rd belt is? The phrase (the whole nine yards) camefrom fighter pilots shooting a whole belt 27 ft ,have not figured out how meany rds. though!

 

[BEFU]

sailing before flying I believe

three master, 3 yards per mast.

giving it the full 9 yards was full sail from what I have been told.

Works in both cases though. Of course, I wasn't around for either of those time periods, so all heresay from me.

Brian

anyone know how long the 500 rd belt is? The phrase (the whole nine yards) camefrom fighter pilots shooting a whole belt 27 ft ,have not figured out how meany rds. though!

 

[OldSoldier]

three master, 3 yards per mast.

giving it the full 9 yards was full sail from what I have been told.

Works in both cases though. Of course, I wasn't around for either of those time periods, so all heresay from me.

Brian

For the "ultimate source", Wikipedia, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Whole_Nine_Yards (just joking about the ultimate source).

 

[Colorado1919]

The Marlin gun is a copy of the 1895 Browing MG so they are BMG belts.