Hammond M-103 and Leslie Model 25 - do these have any value?

[CMCraig]

Hi, I have inherited my family home and we have a Hammond M-103 with Leslie speaker. I am sure they haven't been played in 30+ years but are in very good physical condition. The house is in the NY metro area. My grandfather was an engineer and maintained it until his passing (35 years ago). I would like it to go to a new home if possible. Do these have any value? I know the leslie speakers are well regarded but it's a different model that gets all the attention. Is this a desireable organ? I haven't been able to find much on it from the forum.

[Austin Otto]

I think people aren't answering because it's complicated. All of these have SOME value. The trick will be in finding someone to value the set as it is now. Many small recording studios have that model of Hammond organ. On the other hand, they can often be gotten for free. A model 25 is not the most desirable since it is only a single speed and doesn't have the treble horn, but I think they usually can fetch at least a couple hundred dollars on their own. Sometime, however, that model doesn't have its own internal amplifier and is driven by the organ (someone correct me if I am wrong). The connection kit with "half-moon" switches is worth another $100 or so. The fact that the setup has been well maintained by an engineer is worth something, though it might be a good idea to oil it (you will have to but some if there isn't any in a tube in the organ) and give it a couple of weeks to work through first. The local market is also important, so perhaps someone in New York can chime in?
It could be sold at "salvage" pricing and picked up by someone who may just harvest and re-sell the parts. It might be best to insist on selling it as a package, as you will likely get offers for the Leslie only and then have difficulty selling (or giving away) the organ.

[CMCraig]

This is really helpful. Thank you.

[andyg]

If the organ hasn't been played in 30 years, it definitely will need some work! They need annual oiling, so that would have to be addressed. Capacitors in the power supply could well need changing, contacts and busbars cleaned. A job for someone with the skills, tools and time. Add these things up and you get a very low value for the Hammond. A working one wouldn't cost much more than the expense, time and effort.

I'd echo what was said about the Leslie. Not sure if it would fetch much more than $100 if it has no amp. The connector kit is indeed more valuable, with the half moon switches selling for good money. If you are confident to do it, I'd take the back off the organ, disconnect and remove the kit and switches. Don't worry about replacing any wires, any buyer for the organ will know what to do if you tell them what's been removed - and then they'll crack on with the rest of the work! And there should be a hefty 6-pin cable from the organ to the leslie - that's worth good money on its own too.

[gtc]

The M-100 series was known as the 'Baby B' and, in working condition, are great organs although I'm not sure about the general desirability of the M-103's case with those Queen Anne style legs.

Suggest listing the pair on Craigslist or FB Marketplace -- for maybe $100 the lot.

[andyg]

With respect, it was the original M/M-2/M-3 series that were dubbed 'Baby B' rather than the later M100 (even though the M100 was a better organ IMHO).

And the two half moons alone might sell for more than $100! Depends on what the seller wants to do - get rid of it all quickly or make more money!